We ask high sailors and marine business gurus to decide on the good and most revolutionary boats of our instances. Onne van der Wal nominates the Dabchick
“The ‘Dabbie’ was a highly regarded youth boat and top-of-the-line coaching boats ever. Each person who made it in crusing in South Africa began out on the Dabbie. Designed by Jack Koper and made from three sheets of plywood over a picket meranti body it is rather easy and cheap to construct.
“The boat has a flat deck, and a scow-like bow with no cockpit – so in breezy circumstances the boat simply retains going and by no means fills up. The mast may be very easy: deck stepped with a principal and fractional jib.
“The boat was excellent for the windy Cape City crusing scene the place the south-easter’ frequently blows in extra of 20 knots. The Dabchicks class continues to be alive and nicely and the fleet numbers shut to five,000 boats throughout South Africa.
“I’ve very fond moist and chilly recollections of crusing a Dabchick my father constructed for me out of Zeekoe Vlei Yacht Membership, Cape City. The Dabbie gave me the fervour for crusing which led onto keelboats after which the worldwide circuit, my Everest being profitable the 1981/82 Whitbread Race as bowman and photographer on Flyer.”
Picture: Onne van der Wal
Ensure you take a look at our full listing of Coolest Yachts.
Dabchick class stats score
Prime velocity: 12 knotsLOA: 3.6m/11.8ftLaunched: 1956Berths: 0Price: from £700Adrenalin issue: 60%
Onne van der Wal
Onne van der Wal is without doubt one of the most revered photographers in yachting. Born within the Netherlands, he grew up in South Africa. After becoming a member of the Dutch crew on Flyer within the 1981 Whitbread he moved to Newport, RI, and has spent practically 4 many years capturing the world’s high regattas and sail expeditions.
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