New England yacht clubs competed against each other with fleets of YODs from 1941 to 1956. When the clubs switched to fiberglass racing designs, their Yankees began new lives as family boats. The few YODs that remain now sail far from each other in America, France, Australia, and New Zealand.
YOD
The Iconic Wooden Racing Class
sailboats
Yankee One-Designs are a joy to sail, thanks to their balanced, responsive helm.
Each YOD has its own story. We tell them here.
Please visit our new forum to chat about the YOD mystery boats, restoration projects, winter maintenance plans, plus all the joys and hacks of owning a wooden boat.
If you'd rather be sailing, browse our photo gallery.
Designed in 1937, and invariably made of wood, YODs combine the spiritual aspects of wooden boat sailing with the thrill of a boat that thrives in heavy weather.
About Yankees
A Legendary Designer
The Yankee racing class came from a 1937 design competition with the mandate to create the ultimate racing boat for all conditions, from the light air in Marblehead to the afternoon winds of Buzzards Bay.
In 1937, America's Cup designers Burgess, Herreshoff, and Paine judged a well publicized design contest for the new Yankee One-Design class.
But behind the scenes, the YOD design committee hired Starling Burgess to draft an anonymous entry which they sent to the boat builder before the deadline for the contest had even passed.
In 1937, America's Cup designers Burgess, Herreshoff, and Paine judged a well publicized design contest for the new Yankee One-Design class. But behind the scenes, the YOD design committee hired Starling Burgess to draft an anonymous entry which they sent to the boat builder before the deadline for the contest had even passed.
Yankee One-Design Specifications
Length 30′ 6″
Beam 6′ 6″
Waterline 24′
Draft 4′ 6″
Sail Area 312 sq ft
Displacement 4,775 lbs
Lead Keel 2550 lbs
YOD News and Congratulations
New owner Matt Benson tells us GandB is doing a fantastic job in finishing the upfit and prepping the boat for new seasons.
Matt plans to take the boat out of the salt, and will be moving it to Lake Chauatuqua. As you might know, Contessa is on that lake, owned by Tom Hubbell. Matt says he just felt like those boats needed to be together, and looks forward to the fun of having two Yankees sailing at the same time.
Next Chapter
Hats off to Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway for the expert rebuild of Y39 Lot’s Wife. It's been refitted with a new backbone, keel, and forekeel, as well as new frames, floors, cockpit coamings, side, and after decks. In line with the upgrades of Y42 and Y43, its scantlings have been reinforced for added strength.
Now, at 70 years old, Y39 is ready for a new chapter of sailing, blending classic beauty with modern brawn.