Lion Class (Robb) Information, Review, Specs

The design legacy of the Robb Lion Class is rooted in its dual purpose as a successful racer and a capable cruiser.

The first Lion Class yacht was built in 1950, with production of the model spanning from 1951 to 1965. Arthur Robb's design philosophy aimed to create a vessel that could excel on the racecourse while providing comfort and security for cruising. Indeed, a sister ship of the Lion Class notably won the prestigious Sydney-Hobart Race twice, in 1959 and 1960, cementing its reputation as a formidable competitor.

Early versions of the Lion Class were meticulously constructed from timber, particularly teak, by the Cheoy Lee Shipyard. By the mid-1960s, Cheoy Lee adapted to evolving shipbuilding techniques by developing fiberglass versions of the model notes]. The Swanson Brothers, known for their robust, sea-kindly cruising yachts and their transition to fiberglass production in Australia, also built some Lion Class vessels, 3, 13]. Throughout its production run, there were variations in rig type and dimensions, and even interior layouts saw modifications, with some later iterations foregoing quarter berths in favor of an improved galley and navigation station notes, 8].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Robb Lion Class exhibits characteristics of a heavy, traditional cruiser for its waterline, with a displacement to length ratio of approximately 405.7. Its sail area to displacement ratio, around 14.01, suggests it is somewhat underpowered, indicating it may perform best in lighter winds. With a ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 28.17%, the boat is described as not particularly stiff; however, it possesses an excellent righting capability if capsized.

Despite these technical interpretations, the Lion Class is widely regarded as a classic racer-cruiser, capable of both short excursions and long offshore passages. Owners and reviewers praise its "classic racer cruiser" characteristics, confirming its ability to handle various conditions, although its performance is best suited to light winds.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom details are not consistently available, the interior of the Robb Lion Class is typically characterized by a bright wooden finish, often featuring mahogany planks in wooden versions. Early models often included V-berths forward, a salon, a galley, a head, and quarter berths. Over its production life, interior layouts evolved, with some configurations losing two quarter berths to accommodate a more comfortable galley and navigation station. The layout, often described as unique, provides a practical living space for a vessel of its size, suitable for cruising..

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Robb Lion Class for its enduring qualities as a classic racer-cruiser, noting its capability for long crossings as well as shorter trips. The vessel's robust construction is a recurring theme among owners, who appreciate its solid build. While some older vessels may require refurbishment, particularly concerning interior fit-out or addressing minor rust in steel components on wooden models, the fundamental soundness of the Lion Class is consistently highlighted. The continued presence of these yachts in marinas and the active community of owners underscore the enduring appeal and seaworthiness of Arthur Robb's design.