Lake One-Design (Rhodes) Information, Review, Specs

Skaneateles Boats, Inc., with its focus on robust and competitive one-design dinghies, was a fitting builder for such a vessel, having established a reputation for crafting thousands of wooden boats and contributing significantly to the democratization of sailboat racing.

History and Design

The genesis of the Lake One-Design can be traced to a design competition launched by the Lake Yacht Racing Association (LYRA) in 1938, an organization representing numerous sailing clubs on Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The competition sought a new one-design class, leading to Philip Rhodes' design #416 being selected. Philip Rhodes was a prolific and celebrated naval architect known for his extensive career spanning over 50 years and his strong underlying design principles across various vessel types, including numerous one-design and class boats.

The Lake One-Design was initially built by several yards in the Great Lakes area, with Skaneateles Boat & Canoe Co. being a notable builder from its inception in 1938. Skaneateles Boats, Inc. was deeply committed to the production of high-quality wooden vessels, particularly in the one-design segment, aiming to make competitive sailing more accessible. While the exact number of Lake One-Designs built remains unknown, the class gained significant traction across the United States in the years leading up to World War II. Specific variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not commonly noted in historical records for this model, suggesting a consistent design during its production run, though individual builders may have had minor differences in construction details.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall (LOA) of 34.0 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 23.33 feet, the Lake One-Design presents a classic profile. Its reported sail area of 444 square feet, combined with a displacement of 9,450 pounds, yields a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.89. This ratio suggests a sailboat with moderate performance characteristics, capable of moving well in a range of conditions without being overtly sensitive to light air.

The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) for the Lake One-Design is approximately 332.42. This high number indicates a relatively heavy boat for its waterline length, aligning with the characteristics of robust wooden construction common in its era. Boats with a D/L ratio above 300 are generally considered heavier, more traditional cruisers, which might seem counterintuitive for a "racing sloop." However, this likely points to a design focused on stability, seakindliness, and durability, traits often prized in larger lake and coastal racing, rather than extreme light-weight performance. The boat features a fin keel, a design choice intended to enhance upwind performance and reduce leeway. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions for the 34-foot Lake One-Design are scarce, Philip Rhodes' designs, including other one-designs, often share a reputation for being steady and stable with reasonable performance. This suggests the Lake One-Design likely offers a solid and predictable motion, capable of standing up to a good breeze.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Rhodes Lake One-Design is not extensively detailed in available records. With a focus on one-design racing, the interior of a 34-foot sloop from 1938 would likely prioritize functionality and crew space over elaborate cruising amenities. While the maximum headroom is not specified, it's probable that the accommodations were modest, featuring basic bunks, and perhaps a small galley or head, consistent with the design ethos of a competitive racing boat of that period. The construction from wood, as was customary for Skaneateles Boats, Inc., would have provided a traditional, warm interior aesthetic. Without detailed diagrams or descriptions, it is reasonable to infer that storage would be sufficient for racing gear and short overnight stays, with ventilation provided by traditional hatches and ports.