The SS Class sailing boat is a class of racing sailboats that were designed and built in the early 20th century. The "SS" in the name stands for "sailing sloop," indicating that it is a single-masted vessel with a fore-and-aft rig.
The SS Class boats were originally designed by the renowned naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff in 1919. They were intended to be affordable and easily sailed by a small crew, while still providing competitive racing performance. The design quickly gained popularity and became a popular racing class in the United States.
The boats have a length overall (LOA) of 25 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 18 feet. They have a beam of 6 feet 6 inches and a draft of 4 feet 6 inches, making them relatively stable and maneuverable. The hull is typically made of wood, although some later models may have been constructed using other materials such as fiberglass.
The SS Class boats feature a fractional rig, with a single mast positioned slightly aft of the midpoint of the boat. The mainsail is the largest sail and is typically set on a boom, while the jib is a smaller headsail set forward of the mast. Some boats may also have a spinnaker for downwind sailing.
These boats are known for their excellent sailing characteristics, including good upwind performance and maneuverability. They are often raced in one-design regattas, where all boats are identical in design and equipment, ensuring a fair competition.
Over the years, the SS Class boats have undergone some modifications and improvements, but the basic design principles have remained largely unchanged. Today, they continue to be actively raced and enjoyed by sailing enthusiasts around the world.
In summary, the SS Class sailing boat is a classic racing sailboat designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in the early 20th century. It is a small, affordable, and competitive racing class known for its excellent sailing characteristics and popularity in one-design regattas.
