Here we present a selection of articles from issues of *YACHT* dating back 100 years. In issue 4/1926, the editorial team describes a motor-sailer based on plans by the Kiel-based naval architect Hegge.
The design shown here is a combination of a sailing yacht and a motor yacht, a type that has been relatively rare in this country until now, but for which interest has been growing rapidly of late. Abroad, particularly in England and America, this type of boat is already more commonly encountered. The plans were commissioned by a yachtsman based on the Rhine who intends to undertake extensive voyages from the Rhine to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Construction of the cruiser began last autumn at a shipyard on the Rhine.
This type of motor-sailer is primarily suited to sports enthusiasts who live inland but wish to own a larger seagoing cruising yacht, which is to be based not in a coastal harbour but on their home inland waters. Consequently, the draught must not be too great, so that all the attractive spots in the immediate vicinity can be reached. A powerful engine is required to reach the open sea under one’s own steam in the shortest possible time. Once out at sea, the sufficiently large rigging then allows those on board to enjoy the peace and relaxation that sailing on the open sea offers. With such a vessel, longer voyages can be undertaken in a relatively short time, without the high costs associated with operating a motor yacht of the same size – not to mention the increased operational reliability afforded by the dual propulsion system. Experience with larger motor fishing cutters shows that this type of vessel, fitted with a small storm rig and using the engine simultaneously, handles the heaviest seas with ease, whereas, under the same conditions, a pure sailing yacht would require an enormous amount of time whilst placing its crew under great strain, and a pure motor yacht would perform the wildest manoeuvres, putting its rigging at risk.
The design of this draft represents a compromise between the requirements for good speed under engine power, good sailing characteristics and adequate seaworthiness. Depending on whether the vessel’s beam is increased or reduced, one or the other of these characteristics can be emphasised to a greater or lesser extent. In certain circumstances, it may be worth considering fitting a small centreboard to improve the boat’s tacking performance. In this instance, this option was not adopted in order to avoid making operation too complicated and to prevent the construction costs from rising unnecessarily.
From the large, watertight cockpit, one can comfortably survey the rigging, just as on a pure sailing yacht. Furthermore, all the compartments can be accessed from the cockpit without having to walk across the deck. The engine is housed in an engine room separate from the other compartments and is situated in close proximity to the helm for easier monitoring. The details of the layout can be seen in the plans.
The vessel is powered by a 45/60 PS BMW engine with an electric lighting and starter system, which enables it to reach a speed of around 10 nautical miles. All the engine controls are located in the immediate vicinity of the helm.
The vessel is rigged as a ketch. In arranging the sails, great importance was attached to ensuring that they were as easy to handle as possible. A sail area of 72 square metres means that reefing is not required too soon, whilst at the same time it remains entirely sufficient even in moderate winds.
The main frames are made of oak, the solid frames of galvanised angle steel, the outer plating of larch, and the superstructure and all the interior fittings of mahogany. The cast-iron keel weighs 2.2 tonnes. The material thicknesses comply with Germanischer Lloyd’s regulations for the highest class.
Although very few people can afford to build such a large yacht these days, the design is likely to be of general interest given its versatility.
Would you like to browse through old issues of YACHT? You can find all issues from 1904 to 1981 in the digital yachting archive.