Broads One-Design - History

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One hundred and six years later from its tender beginnings as an Edwardian wooden yacht, commissioned in its design by members of the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club to comfortably sail both on the local rivers and the inshore waters off Lowestoft, the Broads One Design Yacht has encountered a total rejuvenation of the fleet, attracting interest from far and wide since acceptance of a fibreglass version in the late eighties.

The Broads One Design Yacht was designed by Linton Hope, Naval Architect to the King of the Belgians, at the end of the nineteenth century. It is understood that it may now be the oldest class in the UK and second oldest in the world. The original lines and rig have remained nearly unaltered since its inception and are a true testament to this graceful, beautiful to sail and much admired yacht. Polyester sails replace the original cotton ones and the hull and deck are now generally constructed in glass fibre instead of wood.

Escalating in number from a mere thirty one of the original version built between 1900 and 1939, the fifty-first glass one (No.82) is currently under construction. Twenty seven of the original thirty one remain.

While Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club has only seen a steady increase in the number of new Broads One Designs, the fleet at Wroxham under the flag of the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club has significantly increased. There exists, however, a fair exchange in class racing by the passionate and more competitive members of the two clubs, with the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club reaping support as the fleet’s parent club during the months of June, July and August by offering some contrasting sailing at sea. It is then that the true versatility of the Broads One Design Yacht is so clearly evident.

Although some owners may purchase their yachts for cruising only, the main encouragement is for racing and within a wide range of members sailing ability, the class is pleased to boast some exceptionally talented helms. Indeed there are many keenly contested races throughout the summer season of this strict one design class. A friendly and pleasant social life off the water prevails, however, throughout the year!

A thirst for travelling has developed in recent years with visits abroad to Holland and Germany having taken place, as well as to the Yacht’s original place of build at Burnham on Crouch to compete in their Annual Regatta. Other venues on the agenda are France and Italy , with Antigua even having been considered. Last year an invitation to class members was received from the Nainital Yacht Club in India, who likewise has a fleet of yachts deigned by Linton Hope, and to where an adventurous group of sixteen travelled, albeit on this occasion without their beloved “Brown Boat”.

The early years of the class are not fully documented, but it does have a set of rules dating back to 1905 and a Minute Book commenced in 1911, which provides for some very interesting recording of events over the years. It is known for instance that the first yachts were delivered from Burnham on Crouch on flat bed railway trucks laid on their side and that the first race was held in 1901 on Whit Monday on Oulton Broad. Our current Archivists have been keenly researching further and collating any available information – they would be delighted to receive any other knowledge or memorabilia.

The Broads One Design, affectionately referred to as the Brown Boat and now also as the BOD, is without doubt, as Charles Goodey wrote in his book in 1972, a fleet of racing yachts unique in Great Britain – if not the world.

Reproduced by kind permission of Geoff Eason.