Here we present a selection of articles from 100-year-old issues of *YACHT*. In issue 24/1926, the editorial team featured the plans for a National 30-square-metre dinghy cruiser, designed by the Hamburg-based designer Karl Kröger.
The accompanying drawings show a standard 30-square-metre dinghy cruiser, which proved its worth as both a regatta and cruising boat in all weathers. The layout of the interior was partly dictated by the position of the centreboard case, which was placed relatively far aft to prevent the boat from tacking too sharply.
The details of the cabin fit-out can be seen in the drawings. The hull timbers comply with the very generous material dimensions specified in the classification society regulations. These unnecessarily heavy boats would be considerably cheaper if the planking thicknesses were reduced by 15 to 20 per cent and the fixed frames were omitted entirely. In return, the curved frames could be spaced slightly closer together and a keel block could be specified.
Should the regulations be amended, it would also be welcome if the length of the boats were increased by around 50 to 75 cm. With the width and height dimensions remaining the same, this would result in better sailing characteristics and an improved appearance of the boats themselves, as well as a significant increase in cabin space. Furthermore, it would then be straightforward to fit these longer boats with a high rig, in which case fitting the backstay would no longer pose any difficulties.
In this design, gaff rigging was preferred to full top-rigging because the boat was also intended for sailing in areas where it is desirable to be able to lower the mast quickly and easily.
