q class sailboat

Welcome to 'The Falcon Study'

"Imagine the beauty and performance of a 1920's racing Sloop but manufactured today, combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest systems and materials - that's the Q7 'Falcon Study'. "  

Peter Silvester, Founder Q7 Yacht Designs

Q7 Yacht Designs

Celebrating the legacy of Universal  Rule Racing

Our mission is to celebrate the legacy and heritage of 'Falcon', a classic 1926 'Q Class' racing sailboat, designed to the 'Universal Rule of Measurement' and manufactured by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.

The 'Universal Rule' as it became known was introduced by the renowned naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff in 1902, adopted by the New York Yacht Club in 1903 and used to determine eligibility for the America's Cup between 1914 and 1937. Characterized by narrow beams and long overhangs, 'Universal Rule' sailboats combine beauty, strength and performance, illustrated by that fact that many are still sailing and racing today.

'Falcon' is an original 1926 'Q Class' Sloop designed by Burgess, Swasey & Paine, lovingly restored by the boat builder John Anderson, now  sailed and raced in San Diego California by the Q7 Yacht Designs team.

Working with a unique partnership of world-class industry leaders, our goal is to celebrate the centenary of 'Falcon' with a new 'Q7' commission that re-imagines what she might have been if her original designers had access to the best systems, technologies and materials available today.

Q7 Yacht Designs, formed to sail and maintain the original 'Falcon' have re-imagined what a new 'Q7' could be in 2026. Dykstra Naval Architects , renowned for their work on the modern J Class fleet, have adapted the original Burgess, Swasey and Paine design and the team at  Spirit Yachts  will bring this vision to life with their unique blend of traditional craftsmanship, cutting edge systems and philosophy of sustainable manufacturing.

  By combining a beautiful and race proven design with the best craftsmanship, systems and materials available, we aim to create a modern classic that we hope will excite and inspire generations to come - this is the Q7 'Falcon Study'.

August 1930, 'Falcon' sailing in Marblehead Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

About q7 yacht designs.

Q7 Yacht Designs was formed to maintain, sail and race 'Falcon', an original 1926 Q Class Sloop designed by Burgess, Swasey & Paine. 'Falcon' was manufactured in Bristol, Rhode Island by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. and lovingly restored between 2007 and 2012 by the renowned boat builder John Anderson. 

'Falcon' is the inspiration for the Q7 'Falcon Study', a unique project to create a new 'Q7' commission that celebrates the legacy and heritage of this race winning Q Class sailboat. 'Falcon' is currently located in San Diego, California where she sails and races under her original sail number 'Q7'.  

Our re-imagined 'Q7' will launch in 2026 to celebrate the centenary year of this classic racing sloop.

For more information about the history and racing heritage of 'Falcon' check out our sections on ' Raced ' and ' Restored '

The Q7 'Falcon Study'

The Q7 'Falcon Study' was inspired by the beauty and elegance of Universal Rule racing sailboats with their characteristic narrow beam and long overhangs, epitomized  by the magnificent J Class America's Cup  Yachts of the 1930's. A fortunate series of events and coincidences in the summer of 2023 led us to 'Falcon' and ultimately resulted in the formation of Q7 Yacht Designs to  become her next proud custodian. 

In 2023, following several years 'on the hard' in Rhode Island, 'Falcon' was transported to her  new home in San Diego. After carefully  introducing her to the Pacific and stepping the mast, the team set about tuning the rig and were delighted to learn what generations of sailors already knew - she sails as good as she looks!

What came next was an idea that grew to become a passion - what if we could take the  original race-proven hull lines and produce a new commission, using the best craftsmanship, materials and systems available today? a fitting  tribute to celebrate  the centenary of 'Falcon'.   The  goal would be to re-imagine what 'Falcon' might have been if her original designers had access to everything  we have 100 years later...

It turned out that this passion for classic 1920's design and race proven performance  was shared by some of the best boat builders and naval architects in the world resulting in the Q7  'Falcon Study' - a unique collaboration to create a tribute to the original 'Falcon', fueled by an international partnership of industry experts and sailing enthusiasts.

'Falcon' will be  Re-Imagined     by Q7 Yacht Designs , a company set up to sail, race and maintain the original 'Falcon'

Re-Designed   by Dykstra Naval Architects , renowned for their work on the modern J Class fleet

Re-Created  by the craftsmen and women at Spirit Yachts

We're looking forward to providing updates on our adventures in the original 'Falcon' and updates on the Q7  'Falcon Study'. Stay tuned!

Peter Silvester, Founder of Q7 Yacht Designs

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Q7 Yacht Designs LLC

San Diego, CA

Tel +1.760.216.3706

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Revival of the Q Class – a mini J Class without all the costs and crew hassles

• August 17, 2016

The J Class may be the most famous yachts designed to the Universal Rule, but they are by no means the only ones. Rupert Holmes reports on the embryonic revival of the Q Class

Photo: James Robinson Taylor

Imagine owning a yacht with all the class, style and history of a J Class , but without the monumental costs and logistical challenges. This dream is well on the way to becoming a reality with the resurgence of the Q Class – the purchase and running costs of a Q are a whopping two orders of magnitude less than for the big yachts.

Anyone doubting the appeal of the Q Class has only to look at a list of former owners, which features two multiple America’s Cup winners, including Harold S. Vanderbilt in the 1920s and Dennis Conner, who undertook the first full restoration of a Q Class yacht.

The Q Class was the first built to the Universal Rule, which was adopted with the aim of providing more level racing by the New York Yacht Club after the 1903 America’s Cup. Prominent American designers, foremost among them the legendary Nathanael Herreshoff, drew up the Rule, and leading designers from around the world, including Charles E. Nicholson, Tore Holm and Johan Anker, were involved in drawing many of the boats. At least 16 Q Class boats were built between 1904 and 1937.

Most Q Class designs are a little under 50ft, with a beam of just over 9ft and a deep draught, although later boats tended to be a little longer and narrower. Although slightly beamier, they were very similar in terms of dimensions to the 8-metres built to the International Rule favoured in Europe at the time.

The revived class has a number of high-profile proponents, including French legend Bruno Troublé, former J Class secretary David Pitman and California-based yacht designer David Fladlien.

Restored examples

One boat that has already been making waves at classic regattas in the Mediterranean and UK is Pascal Oddo’s Jour de Fête . One of the later Q Class, she was built in 1930 to a design by Frank Paine and W. Starling Burgess and originally named Falcon ll . Jour de Fête underwent a complete restoration in 2007/08, retaining as many of the original fittings and timbers as possible.

She won a slew of prizes at last year’s Panerai British Classic Week , including 1st overall in Class 5 and the Lallow Cup for the best-presented new entrant. This followed a long run of successes in Mediterranean regattas including Marseille in 2013, 2014 and 2015, Les Voiles de St Tropez in 2014 and Panerai Antibes in the same year.

After World War II many of the boats migrated from the New England coast to the Great Lakes, particularly Chicago and Milwaukee, where a number were eventually lost. At one time it was thought that only three of the original boats were left, however Fladlien says: “I have information of various degrees of certainty about eight existing Q boats, including some which are sailing and others which are being restored.”

Leonore , a Johan Anker design built in Norway in 1925 and called Cotton Blossom ll for much of her life, was the first boat to undergo a full restoration. This was carried out in 2003/04 by Dennis Conner and she has been racing in classic regattas ever since. Grayling , a 1923 boat, is still racing in Canada’s Puget Sound, while Robin (from 1928) is available in California and ready for restoration.

Fladlien has developed a set of rules for the design of a modern-era Q Class, with the aim of bringing the class back in a modernised form. The vision is for two classifications: Vintage for pre-World War II designs and New Construction for those designed in very recent or contemporary times.

These would retain the same long overhangs, along with deep hulls to provide lots of headroom. Both classifications are included in a revised Universal Rule for the Q Class, with limitations imposed to keep the boats, old and new, reasonably close in performance.

The handicap system is based on a velocity prediction program (VPP) under which both new and vintage boats can race together with time allowance in a similar manner to the one currently used very successfully by the J Class.

SEA&SEE/Guido Cantini

The new rule also introduces a number of changes to make Qs both faster and more capable: modern wood construction, broader stern sections to provide a longer sailing length and better downwind stability, lower centre of gravity keel and higher aspect ratio sail plan for upwind efficiency.

At the same time, design restrictions have been increased, to discourage extreme shapes, while mandatory accommodation arrangements are intended to ensure cruising capabilities in the new boats. The rule allows for modern Q Class yachts to be built from wood epoxy, aluminium or composite, by any designer and any yard.

They are stunning boats that stand every chance of gathering an enthusiastic following.

Dimensions (Jour de Fête)

LOA 15.85m/52ft 0in

LWL 10.20m/33ft 7in

Beam 2.74m/9ft 0in

Draught 2.13m/7ft 0in

Displacement 10 tons

www. qclassyachts.com

At around 50ft the Q Class is still sufficiently large and powerful to have a good turn of speed, while even the best racing crews will have plenty to tweak and manoeuvres to perfect. This is Leonore .

Greater beam than typical European designs of the same period allows for more accommodation space

After Dennis Conner’s ownership, Cotton Blossom ll reverted to her original name of Leonore and her hull was painted white. She is in outstanding condition

Robin is an unrestored original Q Class. She’s lying at Rutherford’s Boatshop in Richmond, California and has the potential to make a hugely rewarding project

Spirit Yachts Announces New Contemporary Q Class Yacht Project

Known as “mini J Class” yachts and steeped in sailing heritage, Q Class yachts were originally built under the Universal Rule of Measurement in the early 1900s. This rule was developed by the renowned naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff and adopted by the New York Yacht Club in 1903 to set entry criteria for the America’s Cup and facilitate competitive racing. In the 1920s and 30s, at least 16 Q Class boats were constructed, some of which still compete today.

Spirit’s current project, “The Falcon Study,” is commissioned by Peter Silvester, the owner and founder of Q7 Yacht Designs. He owns an original Q Class yacht named Falcon. Built in 1926 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and raced under sail number Q7, Falcon recently relaunched on the U.S. west coast after extensive restoration, ahead of her centenary anniversary in 2026.

Peter Silvester commented, “ The ‘Falcon Study’ is a unique partnership of world-class industry leaders set up to honour the history and legacy of Falcon and to celebrate her centenary with a new commission launching in 2026. The ‘Falcon Study’ will re-imagine Falcon’s original design using the best systems, materials, and craftsmanship available today. ”

Peter added, “Imagine taking the beauty, sailing pleasure, and race winning pedigree of an original Q Class like Falcon and refining her to deliver optimum performance combined with modern maintenance characteristics and ease of use.”

Dykstra Naval Architects were engaged to adapt Falcon’s original line drawings by Burgess, Swasey, and Paine for modern sailing and contemporary construction. Their task was to preserve the original hull lines, full keel, and fractional rig, while incorporating state-of-the-art rigging, systems, and deck hardware.

The design brief from the client Peter Silvester was to “create a ‘modern masterpiece’ that could inspire generations of sailors for the next 100 years”.

Thys Nikkels, CEO Dykstra Naval Architects said, “ We love to focus on projects that make our hearts beat faster and the Falcon Study is certainly one of those. To be able to be part of a team that creates a new, re-imagined version of a Q Class Yacht is time well spent. ”

After extensive research into wooden boatbuilders worldwide, Spirit Yachts was selected as the chosen yard tasked with creating the yacht, which will be named ‘Q7 Victoria’ / the ‘Victoria commission’.

Spirit Yachts Managing Director Karen Underwood said, “ Our roots are embedded in wooden yacht construction, marrying timelessly classic design with modern technologies. The Falcon Study is a perfect fit for our in-house skills and fulfills our passion for custom projects commissioned by visionary owners. ”

Julian Weatherill, Head of Design and Production at Spirit Yachts, added, “ It has been a pleasure working with the talented team at Dykstra to realise the dream of a passionate and committed owner. Re-imagining a yacht with such historical sailing significance is both an honour and an exciting new challenge. Working closely with Peter and Dykstra, we will retain the authenticity of the Falcon whilst bringing our expertise in modern wood construction, sailing performance, electric propulsion, and luxury interiors to the project. ”

The project is in the final design stages with the build due to start this spring leading up to launch in 2026 to coincide with Falcon’s centenary anniversary.

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SPIRIT YACHTS ANNOUNCES Q CLASS COMMISSION

This month, Spirit Yachts has announced it has been commissioned to build a contemporary version of a Q Class yacht.

Sometimes known as a ‘mini J Class’ and steeped in sailing heritage, Q Class yachts were first built to the Universal Rule of Measurement in the early 1900s. Development of the rule was led by the famous naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff and adopted by the New York Yacht Club in 1903 to determine entry criteria for the America’s Cup and to facilitate competitive racing. At least 16 Q Class boats were built in the 1920s and 30s, some of which can be seen racing today.

Spirit’s current project (named ‘The Falcon Study’) is being commissioned by the owner and founder of Q7 Yacht Designs, Peter Silvester, who owns an original Q Class yacht named Falcon. Built in 1926 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and raced under sail number Q7, Falcon recently re-launched on the west coast of the USA following an extensive restoration ahead of her centenary anniversary in 2026.

Peter Silvester commented, “The ‘Falcon Study’ is a unique partnership of world-class industry leaders set up to honour the history and legacy of Falcon and to celebrate her centenary with a new commission launching in 2026. The ‘Falcon Study’ will re-imagine Falcon’s original design using the best systems, materials, and craftsmanship available today.”

Peter added, “Imagine taking the beauty, sailing pleasure, and race winning pedigree of an original Q Class like Falcon and refining her to deliver optimum performance combined with modern maintenance characteristics and ease of use.”

Dykstra Naval Architects were appointed to adapt Falcon’s original Burgess, Swasey and Paine line drawings for modern day sailing and contemporary manufacture. Dykstra was tasked to retain the original hull lines, full keel, and fractional rig, whilst introducing state of the art rigging, systems, and deck hardware.

The design brief from the client Peter Silvester was to “create a ‘modern masterpiece’ that could inspire generations of sailors for the next 100 years”.

Thys Nikkels, CEO Dykstra Naval Architects said, “We love to focus on projects that make our hearts beat faster and the Falcon Study is certainly one of those. To be able to be part of a team that creates a new, re-imagined version of a Q Class Yacht is time well spent.”

After extensive research into wooden boatbuilders worldwide, Spirit Yachts was selected as the chosen yard tasked with creating the yacht, which will be named ‘Q7 Victoria’ / the ‘Victoria commission’.

Spirit Yachts Managing Director Karen Underwood said, “Our roots are embedded in wooden yacht construction, marrying timelessly classic design with modern technologies. The Falcon Study is a perfect fit for our in-house skills and fulfils our passion for custom projects commissioned by visionary owners.”

Julian Weatherill, Head of Design and Production at Spirit Yachts, added, “It has been a pleasure working with the talented team at Dykstra to realise the dream of a passionate and committed owner. Re-imagining a yacht with such historical sailing significance is both an honour and an exciting new challenge. Working closely with Peter and Dykstra, we will retain the authenticity of the Falcon whilst bringing our expertise in modern wood construction, sailing performance, electric propulsion, and luxury interiors to the project.”

The project is in the final design stages with the build due to start this spring leading up to launch in 2026 to coincide with Falcon’s centenary anniversary.

Top black and white photo: June 1934, ‘Falcon’ sailing in Marblehead. Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

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Falcon Study by Spirit Yachts: New Q-Class Yacht Planned

Spirit Yachts announced in April that it has been commissioned to build a contemporary version of a Q-Class yacht, alongside Dykstra Naval Architects.

Q-class yachts.

Sometimes known as the ‘mini J Class’ and steeped in sailing heritage, Q-Class yachts were first built to the Universal Rule in the early 1900s, developed by Nathanael Herreshoff in the same period that Europe adopted the International Rule, AKA the Metre yachts. The Universal Rule was adopted by the New York Yacht Club in 1903 to determine entry criteria for the America’s Cup and facilitate competitive racing. It is best known today for the J-Class yachts, but at least 16 Q Class boats were built in the 1920s and 30s, some of which can be seen racing today, after a revival in their fortunes over the last two decades.

The ‘Falcon Study’

Spirit’s current project (named ‘The Falcon Study’) has been commissioned by the owner and founder of Q7 Yacht Designs, Peter Silvester, who owns the original 1926, Herreshoff-built, Q-Class yacht Falcon (sail number Q7). Falcon was recently re-launched on the west coast of the USA following an extensive restoration ahead of her centenary anniversary in 2026.

Peter Silvester commented: “The ‘Falcon Study’ is a unique partnership of world-class industry leaders set up to honour the history and legacy of Falcon and to celebrate her centenary with a new commission launching in 2026. The ‘Falcon Study’ will re-imagine Falcon ’s original design using the best systems, materials, and craftsmanship available today.”

Peter added: “Imagine taking the beauty, sailing pleasure, and race-winning pedigree of an original Q-Class like Falcon and refining her to deliver optimum performance combined with modern maintenance characteristics and ease of use.”

Dykstra Naval Architects was appointed to adapt Falcon ’s original Burgess, Swasey and Paine line drawings for modern-day sailing and contemporary manufacture. Dykstra was tasked to retain the original hull lines, full keel, and fractional rig, while introducing state-of-the-art rigging, systems, and deck hardware. The design brief from the client was to “create a ‘modern masterpiece’ that could inspire generations of sailors for the next 100 years.”

Thys Nikkels, CEO of Dykstra Naval Architects said: “We love to focus on projects that make our hearts beat faster and the Falcon Study is certainly one of those. Being part of a team creating a new, reimagined version of a Q-Class Yacht is time well spent.”

Spirit Yachts MD Karen Underwood said: “Our roots are embedded in wooden yacht construction, marrying timelessly classic design with modern technologies. The Falcon Study is a perfect fit for our in-house skills and fulfils our passion for custom projects commissioned by visionary owners.”

The project is in the final design stages with the build due to start this spring leading up to launch in 2026 to coincide with Falcon ’s centenary anniversary.

For more info on Spirit Yachts go to their website .

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Spirit Yachts commissioned to build Q Class

Monday, April 8th, 2024

Written by: Zella Compton

British modern classic yacht company Spirit Yachts has been commissioned to build a contemporary version of a Q Class yacht. Alongside Dykstra Naval Architects, Spirit was selected as the build yard by the project’s owner. The project is now in the final design stages with the build due to start shortly.

Sometimes known as a ‘mini J Class’ and steeped in sailing heritage, Q Class yachts were first built to the Universal Rule of Measurement in the early 1900s. Development of the rule was led by famous naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff and adopted by the New York Yacht Club in 1903 to determine entry criteria for the America’s Cup and facilitate competitive racing. At least 16 Q Class boats were built in the 1920s and 30s, some of which can be seen racing today.

Spirit Yacht’s current project, the Falcon Study, is being commissioned by the owner and founder of Q7 Yacht Designs, Peter Silvester. He already owns an original Q Class yacht named Falcon. Built in 1926 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and raced under sail number Q7, Falcon recently re-launched on the west coast of the USA following an extensive restoration ahead of her centenary anniversary in 2026 (new build’s launch is expected to coincide).

“The Falcon Study is a unique partnership of worldclass industry leaders set up to honour the history and legacy of Falcon and to celebrate her centenary with a new commission launching in 2026,” says Peter Silvester. “The Falcon Study will re-imagine Falcon’s original design using the best systems, materials, and craftsmanship available today.

“Imagine taking the beauty, sailing pleasure, and race winning pedigree of an original Q Class like Falcon and refining her to deliver optimum performance combined with modern maintenance characteristics and ease of use.”

Dykstra Naval Architects was appointed to adapt Falcon’s original Burgess, Swasey and Paine line drawings for modern day sailing and contemporary manufacture.

Dykstra was tasked to retain the original hull lines, full keel, and fractional rig, while introducing state of the art rigging, systems, and deck hardware.

“We love to focus on projects that make our hearts beat faster and the Falcon Study is certainly one of those,” says Thys Nikkels, CEO Dykstra Naval Architects . “To be able to be part of a team that creates a new, re-imagined version of a Q Class Yacht is time well spent.”

After extensive research into wooden boatbuilders worldwide, Spirit Yachts was selected as the chosen yard tasked with creating the yacht, which will be named Q7 Victoria (the Victoria commission).

“Our roots are embedded in wooden yacht construction, marrying timelessly classic design with modern technologies,” says Spirit Yachts MD Karen Underwood. “The Falcon Study is a perfect fit for our in-house skills and fulfils our passion for custom projects commissioned by visionary owners.”

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MIN magazine

Dive into MIN’s print edition which is now online for your convenience. More stories, more in-depth features, more product news and more exclusive interviews. Enjoy thoughtful analysis of the marine trade sector from across the world and get onboard with new trends.

Johan Anker 49ft Q-Class Sloop 1925/2004

These details are provisional and may be amended

BROKER'S COMMENTS

This thoroughbred sailing yacht continues to turn heads and offer only transom views. At around 50 feet on deck, Q-Class yachts offer fun racing for a bunch of friends in boats that look gorgeous - at the dock or on the water - with performance that lives up to looks. As COTTON BLOSSON II she hit the ground running in her debut 2006 season on the Mediterranean classic regatta circuit with restoring owner America’s Cup legend Dennis Conner at the helm. And back to her original name, LEONORE, her astounding winning ways continue under present ownership, with two Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge overall wins and countless class victories to her credit including at Les Voiles de Saint Tropez in consecutive years 2011 to 2016.

Interested in LEONORE in more detail.

Enquire About LEONORE Download PDF Specification

RESTORATION

During a 2003-2004 second life restoration at San Diego led by Johnny Smullen, she was stripped of non-original and structurally timed-out elements, leaving a remarkable amount of original structure as a sound base to work back up from, with some of the longitudinal backbone saved and about 80% of the original planks. Although she had kept her shape - a huge nod to the quality of the original build in Norway by Anker & Jensen - all her frames required replacing, with laminated oak replacing steamed. Inevitably an 80-year-old boat will need a new deck and probably a new mast, and she got them. Dennis Conner went for a taller rig than class rules on the basis that she'd been a handicap racer most of her life and would continue to be so - and she could stand it. The quality of the work was exceptionally high, with Bill Mahyer commenting in a post-restoration WoodenBoat magazine article: "If they could get her through the doors at Sotheby’s or Christie’s, she’d be right at home among the Hepplewhites and the Chippendales." (WoodenBoat July/August 2005). Subsequently, during a 2007 refit in Tuscany, Italy, at Cantiere Navale dell'Argentario to improve stronger airs performance and to better conform with the CIM rating rule's heavily-weighted authenticity factor, the mast was shortened closer to Q-Class height and a lighter boom fitted. Subsequent race results speak from themselves.

When shipped to North America in 1925 by her Norwegian builders Anker & Jensen, LEONORE’s design and build provenance added Scandinavian finesse to the American Universal Rule of Measurement – the same rule the larger J-Class yachts were and kind of still are built to. Along with build sister SALLY XIII, LEONORE and her commissioning owner, Robert Amory of Boston, joined a Marblehead Q-Class fleet that would peak at 14 boats by 1929; 14 thoroughbred 50-footers coming to the start line would have been quite something. They weren't the only Universal Rule boats designed in Europe for sailing in US waters; around the same time, for example, Scotland's William Fife and England's Charles Nicholson joined Anker in having R-Class designs racing successfully on the West and East Coasts, some built by American yards. LEONORE was born into a fascinating period of truly international yacht design intrigue set around very sporty boats. In 1931 she moved to the other side of Cape Cod and the perfect, breezy sailing waters of Buzzards Bay where, as PALOMA, she became Champion boat and won the Block Island Race during James Jackson's short period of ownership. She then became the second of Walter Wheeler's famous COTTON BLOSSOMS, winning the Astor Cup in 1938 (a later COTTON BLOSSOM would be the 75ft William Fife designed 1926 Fastnet Race winner HALLOWE'EN). Once a thoroughbred, always a thoroughbred: by 1940 she had moved inland to Chicago as SCIMITAR with continued handicap racing success in the hands of William Faurot and Charles Deere Wiman, in particular coming 3rd in the 1941 Mackinac Race, and 2nd in 1942 and 1943. By 1949 she found herself on the US west coast in the ownership (as a gift) of Deere Wiman's daughter Mary Jane Wiman Brinton and regained the name COTTON BLOSSOM II, which she would retain through a succession of west coast owners for over 60 years. These included: Ted Halton, winning line-honours in the 1959 Swiftsure; Ed Turner, who retrieved the prestigious San Diego Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Cup for the owning club in 1965; the Cole family, with Doug Cole meticulously recording and sharing her history online, for which we are indebted, and, from 2003, America's Cup legend Dennis Conner who gave her a new lease of life through an outstanding restoration. We deal with that elsewhere here, but shouldn't leave California without mentioning that Dennis Conner's link with COTTON BLOSSOM II went back much further than 2003: he was one of the 1965 Lipton Cup-winning crew. COTTON BLOSSOM II's re-christening took place at San Diego YC on 14 October 2004; a remarkable gathering of past owners. Conner shipped her to the Mediterranean in 2006 to join its thriving circuit of classic regattas, where she has enjoyed outstanding success under his and subsequent ownership, racing among more Universal Rule and other American designs than would be possible in their original home waters. In 2007, the taller rig installed by Conner was cut back by Cantiere Navale dell'Argentario to a more authentic length, resulting in the improved stronger winds performance that has helped her recent enviable winning ways, continued under present ownership since 2013 - including: 2011 - Cannes Régates Royales - 1st in Class - Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 1st in Class 2012 - Les Voiles d'Antibes - 1st in Class - Argentario Sailing Week - 2nd in Class - Cannes Régates Royales - 1st in Class - Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge - Overall Winner - Vintage Class - Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 1st in Class 2013 - Les Voiles d'Antibes - 1st in Class - Argentario Sailing Week - 2nd in Class - Cannes Régates Royales - 1st in Class - Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge - Overall Winner - Vintage Class - Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 1st in Class 2014 - Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 1st in Class 2015 - Les Voiles d'Antibes - 1st in Class - Vela Clásica Menorca - 2nd in Class - Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge - 3rd Overall - Vintage Class - Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 1st in Class 2016 - Les Voiles d'Antibes - 2nd in Class - Argentario Sailing Week - 1st in Class - Vele d'Epoca di Imperia - 1st in Class - Cannes Régates Royales - 2nd in Class - Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge - 2nd Overall - Vintage Class - Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 1st in Class 2017 - Cannes Régates Royales - 3rd in Class LEONORE has always been a winner! ©2024 Iain McAllister/ Sandeman Yacht Company Ltd. With thanks to Doug Cole. His history of this special yacht can be found at: http://www.toandos.com/DCole1.html

CONSTRUCTION

- Mahogany planking (c80% original) - Laminated American oak frames - Full length Douglas fir bilge stringers - Douglas fir beam shelf - Additional clamp in way of mast - Double bronze plate hanging knees in way of mast - Bronze deck head to mast step rod tie-bar

DECK LAYOUT, EQUIPMENT AND GROUND TACKLE

Deck - Teak laid deck - Varnished mahogany king plank and covering boards - Raw teak toerails Aft - Ash and bronze leather covered runner blocks and tackles - Ash and bronze leather covered mainsheet blocks - Varnished mahogany lazarette hatch - Raised varnished mahogany cockpit coaming Cockpit 6 x (3 each side port and starboard) bronze winches: - Aft (runners) - Harken 44 - Mid (mainsheet) - Harken 56 - Fwd (jib) Harken - 56 - Engine panel in shallow aft bulkhead locker - Helmsman seats port and starboard aft - Sheet tail bags port and starboard - Trimmer seats port and starboard fwd - Teak sole with teak foot/ kick strip Mahogany cabin trunk - Holly inlay trim - Mahogany sliding hatch with holly inlay - Butterfly skylight - 4 x ports in trunk sides port and starboard - Teak chocks port and starboard for spinnaker pole Foredeck - Varnished mahogany king plank - Raised foredeck hatch with 'lemon squeezer' prism - Stainless steel bow roller - Anchor and warp stowed below - Boat hook - Ensign staff

ACCOMMODATION AND DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT

Down 2 steps to engine box and one more to cabin sole - Varnished mahogany furniture - Teak and holly cabin sole - White painted deck head with varnished mahogany trim - Continuous grabrail moulded carlin - 2 x Deckhead lights - GPS plotter in small starboard locker along with isolator panel - Chart sideboard with holly marquetry compass rose/ to starboard; locker above, drawers under - Quarter berth to port; burgundy Brazilian leather cushion; locker under and stowage - 2 x Long burgundy Brazilian leather settees port and starboard - Burgundy Brazilian leather buttoned back rests - Stowage under and outboard - 4 x ports in trunk sides post and starboard - Butterfly skylight over saloon - 2 x Fiddled top sideboards port and starboard fwd - 2 x mounted bulkhead lights - Lavac manual toilet to starboard - Slatted forepeak sole - Half model at house forward

RIG, SPARS, SAILS AND CANVAS

Spruce mast; two sets spreaders plus diamonds - Topmast backstay added 2007 - 3 x Harken halyard winches - Bronze spinnaker pole track - Original bronze gooseneck - Spruce boom (2007) with 2 x bronze Harken 6 winches for outhaul and topping lift - Leathered oak boom crutch with deck padeyes offset to starboard Sails - Mainsail Light, North 2015 - Mainsail Heavy, North 2013 - Genoa Light, North 2015 - Genoa Medium, North 2016 - Genoa Heavy, North 2013 - Genoa 2, North 2013 - Genoa 3, Olympic 2012 - Genoa 4, Olympic 2012 - Spinnaker S2 Light Runner 0.5, North 2015 - Spinnaker S Zero 0.4, North 2013 - Spinnaker 0.75, UK 2010 - SPI Light Runner, Zaoli 2011 - Asymmetric 1, North 2013 - Asymmetric 2, North 2016 - Asymmetric 3, North 2013 - Asymmetric Zero, North 2013

MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL AND TANKAGE

- Nanni N3.30 29hp Diesel (2018) - 40 Litre Diesel tank under saloon sole - 2 x 12V 108Ah domestic batteries - 1 x 12V 108Ah engine start battery

NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS

- Silva steering compass - VHF handheld radio - Tacktick Racemaster tactical compass - Tacktick Mn100-2 wind (wireless) - Tacktick Mn 30 wind (wireless) - Garmin MNI 10 repeater display hub

- "U" lifebelt - Automatic bilge pump - Manual bilge pump in cockpit - EPIRB - Liferaft - Fire extinguisher

PICTURE CREDITS

- Main image: Guido Cantini - Other sailing images: James Robinson Taylor - Archive images: WoodenBoat magazine #185 - Hauled out: Facebook, Sailing and Motor Yachts

Contact us to discuss LEONORE in more detail.

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These particulars have been prepared from information provided by the vendors and are intended as a general guide. The purchaser should confirm details of concern to them by survey or engineers inspection. The purchaser should also ensure that the purchase contract properly reflects their concerns and specifies details on which they wish to rely.

Sandeman Yacht Company

Brokerage of classic & vintage yachts.

SWW Yacht Design

The best in Yacht Design

Q Class Yacht Revival Features

The Q class is revived and it represents a mini version of the J class at less cost as well as less hassles for crew members. Most people would agree that the J class has been designed in accordance with the Universal Rule.

There are several famous people who have owned Q class yachts such as Dennis Conner and Harold S Vanderbilt, who were former owners of this yacht and were winners of American Cup. They were pioneers in restoring the Q class yacht to full working condition.

The first model design of the yacht was built as per the universal rule. It was adopted to allow level racing possible by clubs like New York Yacht Club after the America Cup was held in 1903, and has since been adopted by everyone from Split Yacht Charter to the American Olympic Team. Nathanael Herreshoff came up with the rule as a prominent American designer and conferred with other designers around the world. These included Johan Anker, Tore Holm and Charles E. Nicholson.

After the initial design there were 16 models built in the subsequent years. The designs include boat heights under 50 feet with a beam at over 9 ft height and a draught of considerable depth. Later designs have been narrower and longer. The revived class is being supported by many, such as Bruno Trouble the French legend as well as yacht designer David Fladlien and others.

Jour de Fete is a class Q class boat that participated in several regattas in the UK and in the Mediterranean. She was built in the thirties, which was restored completely in the year 2007-2008.

The Q Class Universal Sailboats at SSYC

Beginning in the early 1930’s, prior to the club house even being built, members at SSYC were beginning to purchase Q Class Universal sailboats from New England and bringing them back to SSYC.  This era marked the domination of the Q’s in racing on Lake Michigan.  Over the years there have been at least 9 Q’s at SSYC with 8 of them being memorialized by the half-models in the SSYC clubhouse which were donated by Otto Dreher, the owner of Q-7 Lively Lady, one of the most successful Q’s at SSYC. 

Click here to download a presentation that highlights the history of the Q’s, their journey to Milwaukee and their current whereabouts.  (Just be aware, it is a large PDF document.)

South Shore Yacht Club

2300 e nock street, milwaukee, wi 53207, (414) 481-2331.

[email protected]

• Search forums
• Yachting Monthly's Scuttlebutt

New Q class to be built by Spirit Yachts, launching in 2026 to celebrate the centenary of the class.

• Thread starter Concerto
• Start date 8 Apr 2024

Well-known member

A new classic yacht by Spirit Yachts will follow the lines of an original Q class yacht (smaller sister to the J class). This is for an American owner who already owns Q7. Spirit Yachts were chosen as the builder due to their expertise in modern wood yacht building. Spirit Yachts commissioned to build Q Class  

fredrussell

I can see their yard from where my boat is berthed. Or, to put it another way, they can see my boat from where they build boats. I’ve often thought they’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from my boat, and yet do I get a mention in their brochures? Do I hell. Justice? Not in this world, mate.  

fredrussell said: I can see their yard from where my boat is berthed. Or, to put it another way, they can see my boat from where they build boats. I’ve often thought they’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from my boat, and yet do I get a mention in their brochures? Do I hell. Justice? Not in this world, mate. Click to expand...

Found it eventually, also wish my varnish was to that standard!  

Attachments

I was going to ask how much but I think we all know the saying…if have to ask….!  

Concerto said: A new classic yacht by Spirit Yachts will follow the lines of an original Q class yacht (smaller sister to the J class). This is for an American owner who already owns Q7. Spirit Yachts were chosen as the builder due to their expertise in modern wood yacht building. Spirit Yachts commissioned to build Q Class Click to expand...

Daydream believer

SaltyC said: Found it eventually, also wish my varnish was to that standard! Click to expand...

Should you be browsing Nazgûl is a favourite Spirit -easily sailed by 4 around the Med etc . There was for a while a smaller one for sale at Berthon - it had the fender hangers etc but rarely seemed to move.  

• 11 Apr 2024

Were I 20 years younger and a billion richer...  

Chiara’s slave

Stemar said: Were I 20 years younger and a billion richer... Click to expand...

True enough, but that outboard mount is a crime against humanity.  

fredrussell said: True enough, but that outboard mount is a crime against humanity. Click to expand...

There’s a chap near me with a very similar boat to Chiara’s example. He mounts his OB on the side of the boat next to where he’s sitting in cockpit. It’s a torqueedo, so light enough to lift it off before he gets sailing, leaving no visible bracket (not sure how though). Nice setup, though obvs not as efficient as having OB on the centreline. On narrow hulls such as these that track well (I assume) maybe not too bad a solution. Incidentally, that boat is my bane. It’s same length overall as mine, with about two thirds my WLL and he just disappears ahead once sails are hoisted. I think it may be a Dragon, but couldn’t be sure.  

Stemar said: Agreed, but how else are you going to do it? I can't help thinking that taking a jigsaw to that hull to make an outboard well would be a worse crime. I suppose the real solution is for your tender to follow you and tow you into harbour. Click to expand...

Redwings manage without outboards so I’m sure you find a solution - might be interesting on that bow in a blow though and rather damp.  

ashtead said: Redwings manage without outboards so I’m sure you find a solution - might be interesting on that bow in a blow though and rather damp. Click to expand...

Never sailed an XOD but know some -I just know Redwings being an east islander as it were.  

ashtead said: Never sailed an XOD but know some -I just know Redwings being an east islander as it were. Click to expand...

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Flathead Lake Lodge

Sailing Into Our 70th Summer

It has been over 10 years since the Questa has sailed Flathead Lake. This summer we will be launching the Questa back into the water to rejoin its sister ship, the Nor’Easter V.

Both the Questa and Nor’Easter V are Q-class boats, which are built to the standard set for racing in the America’s Cup. These Q class boats were built following a formula developed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1903, first called Herreshoff Rule, only later to set the standard for the Universal Rule, the qualifying rule for the America’s Cup. Both Questa and Nor’easter V were drawn by L. Francis Herreshoff, the son of Nathanael and would end up being the only two Qs he designed. L. Francis Herreshoff would complete the builds of his design for the Nor’Easter V in 1928 and Questa in 1929. Today there are only 16 Q-class boats in restored condition worldwide with the Nor’ Easter being the winningest boat in the Great Mackinac Island Race . It’s a long way from Long Island Sound and Marblehead, Massachusetts, where the class started, to Flathead Lake, and it all began 28 years ago while Doug was in Minneapolis, Minnesota, building flight time for his pilot’s license. He happened to strike up a conversation with a Gentleman named Bob in a yacht club that he says went like this: Bob: “Gee, I wish I could afford going to Montana to hunt deer, but not until I am able to get rid of this old boat.” Doug: “Old boat? What old boat?” Bob: “I have this dilapidated old racing sloop.” Doug: “How bad is it?” I’ve been thinking about buying a sailboat for the lake at my guest ranch near Glacier National Park .” Before the night was over, Doug agreed to buy the boat if the Bob would haul it to Flathead Lake. In return, Bob would receive the Montana hunting trip he had always dreamt about. The Questa was not quite as bad as Doug had feared. With a bit of cosmetic attention made it possible to launch her that summer with a crane from a cow pasture next to the Flathead River. By 1989, the Questa was put in the shop for a structural restoration, not an easy undertaking considering the proximity of Montana to the closest ocean and capable shipwrights. The Questa and Nor’easter raced for many summers and in 2005 the Questa went back to the shop for a new deck, house, sheer plank and structural reinforcement of the mast step. This summer, the Lodge’s 70th year, the Questa will again join the Nor’Easter sailing Flathead Lake .

Shipwright, John Derry has been maintaining the Nor’Easter and the Questa for over 20 years now. John started his career in carpentry and mason work, but soon found himself fascinated with the dynamic make up of boats. John gained most of his knowledge working on the coast of Maine in his two year apprenticeship. Following his time in school he worked at numerous ship yards along the Coast. In the late 80’s he came back to Montana and found the Questa through a friend that had gone on a sail earlier that summer. John visited the Lodge in the fall of 88’, but it wasn’t until the following summer and a post card to Doug asking if he could trade out sailing time for labor, did he start working. Still to this day John is astonished and extremely proud of what the Nor’Easter and Questa have become. Over the years John along with his crew have not only completely refurbished the sailboats, but they have made the Questa stronger than it was when it was originally built in 1929.

Every winter both boats get a fresh coat of paint, 15 coats of varnish, rigging fixes and updates to any other parts that may have worn over the course of the summer. Depending on lake levels, but typically the second week in June we bring in a crane to lower the sail boats into the water and raise the masts. There is only one crane in this part of the state capable of launching the boats, and to this day only two operators, a son a father who have taken on the challenge. Although it only takes a few hours to get the boats in the water, it can take up to a week before the boats wooden structures swell up closing the many leaking cracks. This time is also used making sure all the rigging is in its proper places.

According to the Flathead Lake Biological Center, “The Lake level and its outflow are regulated by Kerr Dam, which is located on the Lower Flathead River near Polson. Kerr Dam was completed in 1938 by the Montana Power Company, raised the Lake level 10 feet above its natural level, and generates 194 megawatts of electricity. It is cooperatively operated by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Regulation by the dam results in the Lake level fluctuating seasonally 10 feet between 2,883 and 2,893 feet above sea level. If snowpack conditions in the mountains do not threaten flooding, lake level is brought to 2,890 feet by the end of May and to full pool by June 15 for summer recreation. Due to its large volume and fetch (distance of water across which wind blows), Flathead Lake requires very cold and calm conditions to freeze entirely. Therefore, most winters it does not freeze over, although some bays and margins have ice cover. The biological station’s historic observations show that the Lake froze over about once each decade, however the Lake has not entirely frozen since 1988-89 (March only) and 1989-90 (January only).” Flathead Lake is 27.3 miles long, 15.5 miles wide and 370.7 feet deep.

After many years of hard work and dedication we are extremely excited to get the Questa back in the lake. We would love to have you and your friends and family come sail the Nor’Easter or Questa. Check out flatheadlakesailing.com for more information and to book your Flathead Lake Excursion.

• Fantail Launch
• Carbon Fiber Wing Mast
• Buenos Aires
• Seven Bells
• Two Into One
• Q-Boat Robin

Measurement Rule

• A new version of the Universal Rule of Measurement, under which new construction Q boats will race level, without handicap
• handicap system based on a proven velocity prediction program (Vpp), under which both new and vintage boats can race together with time allowance; this system is similar to the one used very successfully by the J Class today
• Modern wood construction to produce a stronger, healthier boat
• Longer maximum Quarter Beam Length (QBL) to produce fuller broader sterns for more sailing length and better downwind stability
• Lower lead for lower center of gravity and greater driving power, even with a nice interior
• Higher aspect ratio sail plan for greater upwind efficiency
• Greatly increased design restrictions to keep the boats competitive and discourage extremes which might obsolete an existing fleet of new construction boats
• Mandatory internal arrangements and accommodations to ensure cruising capabilities in the new boats