Classic_Boat_2016-02

C/O M

CGRUERS ASG

C/O M

CGRUERS ASG

8-M cruiser/racers

Once the Second World War had ended, it took three years (1946-9) for

the International Yacht Racing Union to agree a new set of rating rules to

replace the 1933 International Rule. The new rule, confusingly, had similar

class names to the old; the new IYRU cruiser/racer classes were 8, 9, 10 and

12 metres rating; but the rule was entirely new and intentionally produced

boats quite different from those of the old International rule. The coincidence

of the class names continues to cause confusion to this day, and is

compounded by the later revival of the “old” classes; 6, 8 and 12 metre yachts

even today being built to variations of the 1933 rule. The 1949 IYRU rule was

drawn up to produce fast cruisers that would also perform as off-shore

racers; it was largely the work of Barne Aas from Norway, James McGruer

from Scotland and Charles Nicholson of England. In the event, it was the 8

metre cruiser/racers that proved the most popular and many fine and elegant

yachts were produced, particularly by McGruers.

The Rule was; Rating = ([ L + 3 S –F ± B + D ± P + A ± H + C – K ] ÷ 2) x Pf

L was taken just above the actual load waterline, S was sail area, F

freeboard, B beam, D draught, P displacement, A bow profile, H underwater

profile, C stern correction, K keel material and Pf was the propeller factor.

An 8-M cruiser/racer bears a superficial resemblance to the “straight 8s” or

8-Ms of the International Rule, but the boats are notably beamier and

generally heavier, and were fitted with full interiors and auxiliary motors.

It was slow-going establishing the new classes in the austerity of post war

Europe. A change in 1951 brought the rule closer to the RORC and CCA types,

after which it started to gain some ground. Sonda was built in 1951, followed

by Delphin in 1952. Around two dozen were built by 1968; most were the work

of James McGruer, but Olin Stephens, Tore Holm, David Boyd, Arthur Robb,

Archie MacMillan and others contributed to the class. The boats were felt to

rate poorly under the RORC rule of the period which limited their popularity

to some extent, but they are considered to be elegant, fast and competent.

ALTRICIA

is quite difficult to know where to start. However,
what has come out in the end is brilliant.”
Awlgrip’s product Awlwood was used as a coating: a
red primer followed by six brushed coats and two
sprayed coats to bring out the mahogany planking’s
red. Henry says, “The ability to compound and polish
the Awlwood surfaces ought to keep Altricia looking
her best for many years.”
In addition, Altricia’s windows and frames have been
replaced and she has had a full electrical rewire, deck
fittings and fairleads, rigging, hatches and winches – and
a new alloy mast from Eurospars, and set of sails from
Peter Sanders, which take her back to her original
bermudan rig plan. The modern engine remains.
Peter smiles: “Having trained as a wooden boat
builder, Altricia has enabled me to once again enjoy the
full process of restoring a fine wooden yacht while
working with fine people who share a love for classic
boats and the enjoyment of sailing them.
“Altricia will be berthed at Mylor Marina. We’ll need
to put her through her paces, getting to know how she
performs. I intend to get IRC rating and race here, in
Scotland, Cowes and take her to the South of France for
some classic regattas. I’m also looking forward to some
leisurely cruising and you’ll probably find me moored up
in one of these beautiful creeks admiring Altricia’s
wonderful decks! Sailing her will be the icing on the cake
after all the hours in the boat yard.”

Don’t miss our full 8-M Class update next month

LOA

41ft 8in (12.7m)

LW L

27ft 6in (8.4m)

BEAM

9ft 8in (2.9m)

DRAUGHT

6ft 2in (1.9m)

SAIL AREA

786sq ft (73m^2 )

DISPLACEMENT

10 tonnes

ALTRICIA

Top: James

McGruer at his

drawingboard

in 1930

Right: Altricia

racing on the

River Clyde