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Spartan 1 Buchanan
Designer: Alan Buchanan  ·  First built: 1955
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About the Spartan 1 Buchanan

Designed by the respected Scottish naval architect Alan Buchanan, the Spartan 1 represents a classic example of mid-twentieth century British cruising yacht design. Buchanan was known for producing practical, seaworthy hulls that balanced performance with comfort, and the Spartan 1 reflects that philosophy. Built with the coastal and inshore cruiser in mind, this vessel would appeal to sailors looking for a manageable, characterful yacht suited to weekend sailing and relaxed coastal passages. With limited specifications widely available, much of what defines the Spartan 1 is best understood through the reputation of its designer and the era in which it was conceived. Buchanan's boats were generally praised for their well-mannered handling, traditional lines, and solid construction — qualities that continue to attract classic yacht enthusiasts today. The Spartan 1 is likely to appeal to those who appreciate heritage sailboats and are willing to invest time in research and potentially restoration. For buyers considering this vessel, connecting with classic yacht associations and Buchanan enthusiasts would be a worthwhile step in uncovering deeper historical and technical details.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.33 ft / 5.59 m
Beam 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Ballast 3,400.00 lb / 1,542 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer Alan Buchanan
First Built 1955
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
61.82
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
398.68
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. 2.55 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 12.88
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 250.00 ft² / 23.23 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 398.68
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