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Broads One Design
Designer: Linton Hope  ·  First built: 1901
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About the Broads One Design

Developed specifically for the unique shallow waters and challenging conditions of England's Norfolk Broads, this distinctive one-design class represents a fascinating chapter in British sailing heritage. Born from the need for competitive sailing in the Broads' narrow waterways and variable wind conditions, these boats showcase thoughtful design tailored to their specific environment. Built with a shallow draft essential for navigating the Broads' waters, these sailboats feature a traditional yet practical design that balances performance with the constraints of inland sailing. The class maintains strict one-design rules, ensuring close, skill-based competition among sailors while preserving the boat's original character and sailing qualities. Racing remains the primary focus for most Broads One Design sailors, with active fleets participating in regular competitions throughout the sailing season. The boat's design emphasizes tactical sailing and crew work over pure speed, making it an excellent platform for developing racing skills in a more intimate setting than larger sailing venues. While primarily suited for inland waters racing, the design's seaworthiness and traditional construction methods reflect the quality craftsmanship typical of British boatbuilding. For sailors seeking competitive racing with historical significance and tight class competition, few designs offer such a unique combination of heritage and active sailing community.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.20 ft / 4.94 m
Beam 5.08 ft / 1.55 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 262.00 ft² / 24.34 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Gaffhead Sloop
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Linton Hope
First Built 1901
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
28.39
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
17.2
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.67
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.39
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 294.05
How It Compares

vs. 110, Atlantic City Cat Boat, Crescent

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Broads One Design ★
24.0 ft
110
24.0 ft
Atlantic City Cat Boat
24.0 ft
Crescent
24.0 ft
LWL
Broads One Design ★
16.2 ft
110
18.0 ft
Atlantic City Cat Boat
22.0 ft
Crescent
18.5 ft
Beam
Broads One Design ★
5.1 ft
110
4.2 ft
Atlantic City Cat Boat
11.0 ft
Crescent
6.5 ft
Displacement
Broads One Design ★
1 lbs
110
910 lbs
Atlantic City Cat Boat
8 lbs
Crescent
2 lbs
Ballast
Broads One Design ★
110
300 lbs
Atlantic City Cat Boat
2 lbs
Crescent
1 lbs
Sail Area
Broads One Design ★
262 sq ft
110
157 sq ft
Atlantic City Cat Boat
452 sq ft
Crescent
146 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Broads One Design ★
28.4
110
26.8
Atlantic City Cat Boat
18.1
Crescent
12.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Broads One Design ★
110
33.0 %
Atlantic City Cat Boat
27.5 %
Crescent
45.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Broads One Design ★
17.2
110
10.6
Atlantic City Cat Boat
22.4
Crescent
16.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Broads One Design ★
1.67
110
1.72
Atlantic City Cat Boat
2.20
Crescent
1.88
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Broads One Design ★
110
69
Atlantic City Cat Boat
335
Crescent
186
Hull Speed
Broads One Design ★
5.4 kts
110
5.7 kts
Atlantic City Cat Boat
6.3 kts
Crescent
5.8 kts
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