Flying Cruiser A Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Flying Cruiser A entered production in 1967 under the SUDPLAST name, continuing until 1975. This period was foundational for the builder, which, since its inception in 1963, focused on creating reliable, easily managed, and family-oriented sailboats. Heribert Streuer, the esteemed designer behind the "Flying Cruiser" series, conceived the "A" model as a "small sailboat" aimed at delivering high performance in a light package, best suited for day-use.

SUDPLAST's manufacturing ethos, carried forward by BWC Illmensee, prioritized robust construction. Boats from this era, including the Flying Cruiser A, typically featured a sturdy round frame and a two-shell construction made of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The cavities between the deck and hull shell were foamed for enhanced buoyancy and structural integrity, contributing to their renowned durability and unsinkable nature. The Flying Cruiser A was offered with both fixed and swing keel versions, providing versatility for different sailing preferences and shallow water access.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a "high-performing light sailboat", the Flying Cruiser A, with its 16.8-foot length overall and a reported sail area of 150 square feet, is designed for agile and responsive handling. Heribert Streuer's design intent was to create a vessel that was not only light but also capable of good performance, making it a capable day-boat for lake or coastal waters, 1]. Its fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to its maneuverability and direct steering response. Given its lightweight displacement of 772 lbs and slender beam of 6.56 feet, the Flying Cruiser A would be expected to accelerate quickly in light breezes and offer an engaging sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Flying Cruiser A are limited due to its compact size, the builder's general philosophy for its "Flying" series emphasizes practical and comfortable arrangements. For small cruisers, SUDPLAST aimed for "roomy cabins that provide full seat height". This suggests that despite its modest 16.8-foot length overall, the Flying Cruiser A likely offered a basic cabin that allowed occupants to sit upright, providing shelter and perhaps minimal overnighting capabilities suitable for a weekend or day-cruising vessel. Typical layouts for boats of this size often include a small V-berth forward, rudimentary galley facilities, and possibly a portable head, though specific configurations for the "A" model would vary. The focus would have been on maximizing usable space within the confines of its small footprint, consistent with its design as an easily managed and family-oriented sailboat.