Precision 11 Metre One Design Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The 11 Metre One Design is celebrated for its exceptional responsiveness and "sportscar-like" handling. With a displacement of approximately 3,500 pounds and a generous sail area, the vessel possesses a high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio, which translates to immediate acceleration in light air and exhilarating planing potential when reaching in a breeze. The hull's narrow waterline reduces drag significantly, but it requires an active crew of four to five to manage the boat’s stability, as the 1,500-pound keel—often configured with a wing to lower the center of gravity—provides a relatively low ballast-to-displacement ratio for a 34-foot boat.

In terms of sea-kindliness, the 11 Metre is a "wet" boat; its low freeboard and open cockpit design mean that in heavy weather or choppy seas, the crew can expect plenty of spray. The fractional rig features swept-back spreaders, which allows for a powerful mainsail and a smaller, more manageable jib, but the lack of a traditional backstay (on many configurations) or the reliance on runners means the mast requires careful tuning to maintain proper forestay tension. Handling is described as precise, with a deep spade rudder providing enough leverage to prevent broaching, provided the crew manages the substantial sail area effectively. Technical reviews from the era of its launch noted that the 11 Metre behaves more like a 20-foot dinghy in its sensitivity to weight placement, making it a favorite for match racing and tactical windward-leeward courses.

Popular Mentions & Media

The 11 Metre One Design enjoyed a significant spotlight during the 1990s as a premier choice for match racing and international games. Its highest-profile moment occurred during the XI Pan American Games in 1991, where it served as the official keelboat for the competition. This selection cemented its reputation as a fair and challenging platform for elite sailors. While it has transitioned from a front-line international racer to a localized fleet favorite, it remains a common sight in European match racing circuits and select American yacht clubs that maintain "11 Metre" fleets. The boat’s design influence can also be seen in later sportboat classes that followed Holland’s philosophy of maximizing the waterline while minimizing beam and weight.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Precision-built 11 Metre should focus their inspection on the high-stress areas inherent to a lightweight racing hull.

• Keel Attachment and Sump: Given the leverage exerted by the deep keel during hard racing, the keel bolts and the fiberglass sump area should be inspected for "smile" cracks or signs of movement. Any history of groundings can lead to structural compromise in this high-load zone.
• Mast Step and Compression: The 11 Metre uses a deck-stepped mast. Over decades of high rig tension, the deck core beneath the mast step can compress or delaminate. Check for "dishing" or spiderweb cracking around the base of the spar.
• Core Integrity: These boats were built using a cored construction to keep weight down. Using a moisture meter on the deck—especially around stanchion bases, cleats, and the cockpit floor—is vital to ensure no water has entered the balsa or foam core.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder is under immense pressure when the boat is powered up. Excessive "slop" or vibration in the helm often indicates worn bushings or bearings that will require replacement to maintain the boat's signature precision steering.
• Rigging Life: Because the 11 Metre is often sailed at its limits, the standing rigging and chainplates should be scrutinized for fatigue. The swept-back spreader design puts specific loads on the mast tube that can lead to hairline fractures if the rig has been tuned improperly over time.

Community & Resources

The 11 Metre community is primarily organized through regional class associations, particularly in Scandinavia and the United States. The International 11 Metre Class Association remains the primary authority for maintaining one-design rules and coordinating regattas. While the manufacturer, Precision Boat Works, has shifted focus away from this model, technical support is often found through Ron Holland’s design archives or the specialized racing fleets in areas like San Francisco or the Chesapeake Bay.

The Verdict

The Precision 11 Metre One Design is an uncompromising racer that offers high-speed thrills and tactical depth for a fraction of the cost of modern carbon-fiber sportboats.

Pros

• Exceptional light-air performance and acceleration.
• Strict one-design rules ensure a level playing field for racers.
• Easier to maintain than larger keelboats due to its minimalist, "no-interior" design.
• Proven pedigree as a former Pan Am Games and international match racing platform.

Cons

• Lacks any meaningful interior comfort or living amenities.
• The low freeboard and narrow hull result in a wet ride in heavy seas.
• Requires a skilled and coordinated crew to handle the high-tension rig and sensitive stability.
• Finding sails and parts may require custom orders as the boat is no longer in mass production.