Yeoman Junior Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Yeoman Junior can be traced back to 1954, marking its entry into the flourishing post-war yachting scene. Designed by Alan Buchanan, a prolific British naval architect credited with over 2400 vessel designs, the Yeoman Junior benefited from his ethos of balancing speed with seaworthiness and elegant lines. Buchanan, who also designed the first glassfibre yacht in Europe, had a design office in Burnham-on-Crouch, employing many by 1950.

The builder, Stebbings & Sons of Burnham-on-Crouch, was a family business with a heritage dating back to 1871. Known for its dedication to quality and traditional craftsmanship, Stebbings & Sons primarily focused on the construction of wooden yachts and boats, a hallmark of boatbuilding during that period. Their collaboration with respected naval architects like Buchanan further cemented their standing in the yachting world. The Yeoman Junior class yachts, such as "Vanity Fair" and "Powder Monkey," built by Stebbings in the mid-1950s, featured carvel teak planking below the waterline and mahogany for other sections, showcasing the yard's commitment to fine materials and robust wooden construction. The vessel was initially known simply as the "Yeoman" before the "Junior" appellation was added.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 33 feet and a waterline length of 24.75 feet, the Yeoman Junior is characterized by a design that prioritizes stability and seaworthiness. Her displacement of 11,513 pounds, combined with a relatively short waterline, results in a Displacement to Length Ratio of approximately 340. This high ratio indicates a heavier, more traditional cruising yacht, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and the ability to carry stores for extended voyages.

The reported sail area of 469 square feet gives her a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of around 14.72. This moderately low ratio suggests that while capable, the Yeoman Junior is not designed for blistering light-air performance. Instead, she is likely to excel in moderate to heavy winds, where her ample displacement and solid construction allow her to stand up to a breeze effectively. The fractional sloop rig and fin keel contribute to her sailing efficiency and handling, offering a good balance between upwind performance and ease of maneuverability. While the exact ballast weight is not readily available, the use of iron for ballast in a fin keel configuration further underscores her design for stability. The Yeoman Junior's design would likely translate to a steady helm and predictable behavior, making her a reassuring vessel for coastal cruising and possibly more ambitious passages in experienced hands.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Yeoman Junior are not extensively documented in available resources, one can infer a typical arrangement suitable for a 33-foot wooden cruising yacht built by a reputable yard like Stebbings & Sons in the mid-20th century. The interior would likely feature a practical and traditional layout, emphasizing comfort and utility for extended stays aboard.

Given the construction materials used for similar models from the same builder, the interior would likely boast quality joinery, with extensive use of mahogany and other fine hardwoods, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era. A typical layout would include a forward V-berth for sleeping, followed by a marine head (likely enclosed) to port or starboard. The main salon would feature opposing settees, possibly converting into berths, with a central table that might fold or drop. A compact galley area, equipped with a simple stove, sink, and icebox, would be situated aft, often near the companionway. Storage would be integrated throughout the vessel, utilizing lockers, shelves, and under-berth spaces. While the maximum headroom is not specified in the data, it would typically be adequate for standing in the main salon, gradually tapering in other areas. Ventilation would likely be provided through opening ports and deck hatches, contributing to a comfortable living space at anchor or in a marina.