Burgess Atlantic Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Atlantic is celebrated for its exceptional balance and its ability to maintain high speeds in both light and heavy air. With a length overall of 30' 6" and a waterline of 21' 6", the boat’s narrow 6' 6" beam allows it to slice through chop with minimal resistance. Technical data from Cape Cod Shipbuilding, which remains a primary authority and builder for the class, indicates a displacement of approximately 4,550 lbs, nearly half of which is concentrated in the 2,200 lb lead keel. This high ballast ratio provides the Atlantic with significant stability and a "big boat" feel, despite its open-cockpit design.

Under sail, the Atlantic is known for its sensitive helm and its ability to point remarkably close to the wind. Because it was designed before the widespread use of winches, the original rigging relied on significant mechanical advantage through blocks, a tradition that many owners maintain today. The boat tracks with precision, and while it is a wet ride in a heavy sea due to its low freeboard, the sheer efficiency of the Burgess hull form makes it a formidable competitor in modern classic regattas. Owners often describe the handling as "surgical," rewarding subtle adjustments to the mainsail and jib trim with immediate gains in boat speed.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Atlantic Class holds a unique place in maritime history as one of the first major one-design classes to transition from wood to fiberglass to ensure its survival. Following the devastating North Atlantic hurricane of 1954, which destroyed a significant portion of the original fleet, the class association made the radical decision to use a surviving A&R hull to create a mold for fiberglass production. This move was championed by legendary sailor Corny Shields, who is often credited with helping the class endure through the mid-20th century. The story of this transition is a staple of nautical literature regarding the evolution of yacht construction. The class also features prominently in regional histories of New England yachting, specifically within the archives of the Pequot Yacht Club, which has hosted the Atlantic Nationals for decades.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing an Atlantic requires distinguishing between the original 1929 wooden hulls and the later fiberglass or "cold-molded" restorations.

• Hull Integrity (Wood): Original A&R wooden boats often suffer from "broken ribs" (cracked oak frames) near the turn of the bilge and at the mast step. Prospective buyers should inspect the hull-to-deck joints and the condition of the cedar planking for signs of rot or fastener fatigue.
• Keel Bolt Corrosion: In both wood and early fiberglass hulls, the keel bolts are a critical point of failure. These should be pulled or ultrasonically tested to ensure the 2,200 lb lead keel remains securely attached.
• Fiberglass Delamination: Early fiberglass hulls (produced in the 1950s and 60s) used different resin chemistries than modern boats. Checking for voids in the laminate or softening of the cockpit sole is essential.
• Rigging Loads: The Atlantic carries a tall rig for its beam. High tension on the forestay and shrouds can lead to "banana-ing" of the hull if the internal bracing or mast step has been compromised over time.

Community & Resources

The class is supported by a remarkably dedicated community that has kept the design relevant for nearly a century. The Atlantic Class Association serves as the primary repository for technical specifications, tuning guides, and historical records. It also maintains a registry of all known hulls, tracking their transition from wood to fiberglass. For technical support and new builds, Cape Cod Shipbuilding provides parts and expertise, ensuring that even the oldest hulls can be maintained to contemporary racing standards.

The Verdict

The Burgess Atlantic remains a masterpiece of early 20th-century naval architecture, offering a pure sailing experience that modern designs struggle to replicate.

Pros:

• Timeless, elegant aesthetics that draw attention in any harbor.
• Exceptional upwind performance and heavy-weather stability.
• A vibrant, historic class association with competitive one-design racing.
• High-quality initial construction by Abeking & Rasmussen.

Cons:

• Open cockpit design offers no interior shelter, making it strictly a day racer.
• Original wooden hulls require high-intensity maintenance and specialized shipwright skills.
• The low freeboard results in a very wet ride in choppy conditions.