Learning about Classic Sailboat Design

[Kodama]

Hi,
I am new to the forum and would like to thank you all upfront for your willingness to share knowledge.
Being new to boat design I am looking for good books and information on classic sailboat design.
For example Bristol Channel pilot cutters, schooners, classic work and race sailers in general.
looking forward to hear your recommendations!

I don't see myself building anything in the foreseeable future but rather study and draw, probably for a decade before I progress further. Who knows what it may lead to..

 

[bajansailor]

Welcome to the Forum Kodama

Skene's Elements of Yacht Design is a classic work -
https://www.amazon.com/Skenes-Elements-Yachting-Francis-Kinney/dp/0399150048/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1

Similarly Howard Chapelle's 'Boatbuilding' -
https://www.amazon.com/Boatbuilding-Complete-Handbook-Wooden-Construction/dp/0393035549/ref=sr_1_1

These are just two examples that should be useful - I am sure that you will receive many more suggestions.

 

[jehardiman]

As well as the two classics listed by bajansailor, try

Sailing Yacht Design by Henry and Miller, Cornell Maritime Press, 1965 for a detailed analysis of classic yacht design at the end of the CCA rule period.
https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Yacht-Design-Appreciation-Fine/dp/B0007DW490

Yacht Designing and Planning, also by Chapelle and the design companion to the more construction oriented Boatbuilding
https://www.amazon.com/Yacht-Designing-Planning-Howard-Chapelle/dp/0393332594/ref=sr_1_4

Be advised that there are two versions of Skene's, an original re-print and Kinney's update...both are worth having.

Finally, anything by L Francis Herreshoff for more thoughts on design and the "why" of a sailing yacht.

 

[Kodama]

Thank you very much for your leads. Some of these books where already on my list but some I had never heard of. Especially Herreshoff sounds interesting as the 'Why' is what I am really interested in.
Thank you again and keep the suggestions coming.

 

[bajansailor]

Here are a couple more links, not so much re design but building and operation.

Re Gaff Rig (eg for Bristol Channel pilot cutters), John Leather's book must be one of the best around -
https://www.amazon.com/Gaff-Rig-Handbook-John-Leather/dp/0952467909/ref=sr_1_4?c

And Tom Cunliffe's book about how to handle and sail gaffers -
https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Reef-Steer-2nd-Traditional/dp/147292522X/ref=sr_1_1

And back to design; I have not seen this book, but I have seen lots of drawings in magazines of Ed Burnett's designs, and photos of his fine yachts sailing, hence I am sure that this book is a treasure.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ed-Burnett-Yacht-Designs-selection/dp/1527230252

 

[philSweet]

Dream Ships by Maurice Griffiths

100 Boat Designs Reviewed from the Wooden Boat series.

 

[calzone]

Same thing here. I am also new to the forum and already like it a lot because there are really a lot of technical discussions which I like because I feel that I really learn something and I appreciate it! I was working in the automotive 3d engineering and design for years and some years ago I got also fascinated about boats, its design and techniques. I still have no proper boat, but maybe one day me and my wife will buy one (we are thinking about it).

Anyways, I would start a boat design project...just as a hobby on my own PC. So thanks, for the books mentioned above, will take a look into it too.

 

[Rightboat]

Hey there are so many boat building and marine apprenticeships available in the market. Just try and apply that will help you learn more and make you a proper professional. Practice what you learned is quite required for any success story. Best wishes.