General Description

The Albacore is a 15' half decked one design sailing dinghy with a hot moulded mahogany ply hull. The weight stripped is 230 lbs. The design is for a family racing boat, or a day sailer, light enough to be hauled out, safe enough to be left on moorings.

Principal measurements:

Length overall 15’ 0” Beam 5’ 5” Depth amidships 6” From centre line 1’11” Draught centreboard raised 8” wood or steel “ “ lowered 4’ 5” centreboard

Rig Sloop with alternative headsails Height of sail above gunwales 20’ 6" Area of mainsail 90 sq. ft, “ “ large foresail 35 sq. ft. “ “ small foresail 27 sq. ft.

For cruising it was essential to have the heavier centreboard (75 lbs.) and to carry the maximum amount of buoyancy. This was distributed:- 1 stern bag, 1 fore bag, and 2 side bags. The bags were lashed to the boat so in the event of a capsize they would not float away.

Ground Tackle

1 - 15 lb. Fisherman type anchor with 15 fathoms 1½" Italian hemp 1 - 10 lb. " " anchor with 20 fathoms 1¼" Italian hemp

The ground tackle may seem rather excessive for such a light craft but in extensive cruising round the South and East coast the ability to leave the Albacore anywhere to ride out bad weather was most gratifying.

Gear

The Albacore is very roomy and with good arrangement, a large quantity of gear can be carried. This was always packed in waterproof bags and lashed into the boat. On all cruises the following items were carried:

1 Kitbag - food 1 “ - spare clothes, complete change in addition to shore going rig. Oilskins, lifejackets. 1 “ - camping gear, sleeping bags, etc.

Navigational gear:

1 compass Charts in waterproof case and chart instruments Pilot books in waterproof case Waterproof torch One radio for weather forecasts

Bosun's tools

Sail repair outfit Marline spike Pliers Knife Wax, grease Spare shackles, blocks, codline, wire, varnish

Sailing Characteristics

For cruising in light wind the Albacore is excellent, the hull is easily driven and she can make good progress. However, it is when the weather deteriorates that the seaworthiness is most important. With winds of force 4 or more she can become quite lively but the hull is most buoyant and will lift to the oncoming seas. Providing one doesn't overdrive the Albacore and reduces sail accordingly, she should never become unmanageable or exhausting to sail for long periods of time. Often I would sail under reefed main, main or even foresail alone and perhaps take longer to complete a cruise but would have the craft under control and arrive in a fit condition. The main disadvantage with the Albacore is her light construction. She is not the sort of craft which can be left to lie alongside a granite quay or take ground on "stoney" coast without getting a few unsightly indentations. She will require careful attention but if looked after will be a pleasure to sail.

In conclusion I would say the Albacore is not the craft for beginners in dinghy cruising, but for those with a little more experience.