Lion Class Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Lion Class is defined by its deep-vee, "wineglass" hull section and a heavy-displacement full keel, which together impart a level of directional stability rarely found in modern fin-keel designs. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans heavily toward the "heavy cruiser" category, the Lion is not a light-air sprinter; however, once the breeze exceeds 12 knots, the hull settles into a groove, utilizing its momentum to power through chop.

Handling is characterized by a "stiff" feel, meaning the boat resists excessive heeling due to its high ballast ratio. According to historical records of the design's offshore success, the Lion tracks exceptionally well downwind, a trait attributed to its long keel and balanced underwater profile. Owners often note that the helm remains light even when pressed, provided the sail plan is properly reefed. The design originally utilized a masthead sloop or cutter rig, with the latter being preferred for blue-water work to keep the center of effort low. While the narrow beam (approximately 8' 9") limits initial stability compared to modern wide-stern boats, it allows the Lion to slice through waves rather than pounding over them, resulting in a significantly more comfortable motion in a seaway.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of a Lion Class reflects the era of its birth: functional, cozy, and sea-kindly. Because the design predates the modern trend of "floating apartments," the focus is on security at sea rather than cavernous volume. The layout typically features a traditional "doghouse" or raised coachroof, which provides surprisingly good headroom (often exceeding 6' 1") in the main saloon and galley area.

Variations in the interior are largely determined by the builder. The Cheoy Lee versions are renowned for their extensive use of teak and camphor wood, creating a dark, rich aesthetic. Conversely, the Swanson-built Lions—particularly those constructed in fiberglass or as "timber-glass" hybrids—often feature more utilitarian, brighter interiors designed for the Australian climate. The standard configuration includes a V-berth forward, a compact head (toilet) compartment, and a main saloon with settee berths that double as excellent sea berths. Sibling designs often compared to the Lion include the Arthur Robb-designed Princess Class and the Robb 35, both of which share the "balanced ends" philosophy but offer slight variations in beam and displacement.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Lion Class occupies an elite tier in Australian maritime lore due to the success of Siandra, a Lion Class yacht built by Ron Swanson. Siandra famously won the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on handicap in both 1958 and 1960, a feat that cemented the Swanson Brothers' reputation as premier builders and Arthur Robb as a master of the IOR-era rules. This specific model's success is often cited in historical retrospectives of the race, highlighting the Lion's ability to endure "southerly busters" that frequently sideline lighter vessels.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For those seeking to purchase a Lion Class today, the inspection process depends heavily on the construction material.

• Chainplates and Rigging: On older timber models, the chainplates (where the shrouds attach to the hull) are prone to "crevice corrosion" or can cause rot in the structural timber members if not re-bedded regularly.
• Teak Deck Integrity: For Cheoy Lee variants, the original teak decks were often screwed directly into a sub-deck. Over decades, these screws can provide paths for water ingress, leading to core delamination or rot.
• Mast Step Corrosion: The mast usually sits on a steel or timber step. In the bilges of older boats, this area is susceptible to galvanic corrosion or fungal decay, which can compromise the rig's structural integrity.
• Hull-to-Deck Join: In the Swanson GRP (fiberglass) versions, early laminates were exceptionally thick, but the hull-to-deck joint should be inspected for leaks, which often manifest as staining inside the cabinetry.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Lion Class is preserved by a dedicated group of enthusiasts. The Cheoy Lee Association maintains an extensive archive of Arthur Robb’s original drawings and technical specifications for the Lion Class, serving as a primary resource for restoration projects. In Australia, the Swanson Yacht Register and various wooden boat associations frequently feature Lion Class yachts, celebrating their continued participation in classic regattas.

The Verdict

The Lion Class is a "sailor’s sailboat," designed for those who value seaworthiness and timeless aesthetics over interior volume. It is a vessel built for the open ocean, capable of carrying its crew safely through conditions that would distress modern light-displacement coastal cruisers.

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and a comfortable motion in heavy weather.
• Timeless, graceful lines that attract attention in any marina.
• Proven offshore pedigree with multiple major race wins.
• Robust construction (especially Swanson-built hulls).

Cons:

• Narrow beam results in less interior living space than modern 35-footers.
• Heavy displacement makes it sluggish in very light winds.
• Ongoing maintenance requirements typical of older timber or early fiberglass vessels.