Yankee One-Design Sailboats
Celebrating 87 Years of Iconic Wooden Racing
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Discover the Yankee One-Design (YOD)
Designed in 1937 by the legendary naval architect Starling Burgess, the Yankee One-Design sailboats represent the pinnacle of wooden racing craftsmanship.
Specifically commissioned to create the ultimate racing boat adaptable to all conditions--from the light airs of Marblehead to the robust winds of Buzzards Bay--the YODs are a joy to sail in any weather.
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Spotlight On
For Sale: Y43 Gemini
Launched in 2010—48 years after the previous Yankee was built—Y43 Gemini is the most recent Yankee One-Design sailboat. Commissioned by the owners of Y36 Venture and custom-built by the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, Gemini beautifully merges classic heritage with modern enhancements. The boat incorporates the ballast and original bronze hardware from Venture, while featuring improved structural design, Harken racing hardware, a fiberglass deck, and a Torqeedo electric motor.
This is a rare opportunity to own a YOD. Excellent condition.
Contact us for more details about Y43 Gemini.
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A Rich History
From 1941 to 1956, New England yacht clubs fiercely competed in YOD fleets. As the sailing world shifted towards fiberglass designs, many Yankees transitioned into beloved family boats.
Today, these rare vessels sail across the globe—in the United States, France, Australia, and New Zealand—each carrying its own unique story.
Join Our Community
Sailboats:
Learn about individual YODs, their histories, and where they are today.
Forum:
Engage with fellow enthusiasts—discuss mystery boats, share restoration projects, and swap maintenance tips.
Photo Gallery:
Dive into our extensive collection of YOD images, from construction to racing glory.
Contact Us:
Reach out with your questions, stories, or to find out how you can get involved.
About Us:
Discover more about the YOD class, its origins, and the people keeping the legacy alive.
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Why Sail a YOD?
Balanced and Responsive:
Experience the joy of a helm that’s both responsive and perfectly balanced.
Thrives in Heavy Weather
Designed to handle challenging conditions with ease, offering both thrill and safety.
A Spiritual Connection
Embrace the timeless allure of wooden boat sailing, where tradition meets adventure.
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The Legacy of Starling Burgess
Learn about the genius of Starling Burgess, the mastermind behind the YOD and other America’s Cup designs. Dive into the intriguing backstory of the 1937 design competition, where Burgess secretly crafted the winning design that would become the Yankee One-Design.
Read more in Wooden Boat Magazine Issue #221.
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