12ft Skiff
| Current Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 |
| LOA | 3.7 m |
| Beam | 1.8 m |
| Hull weight | 45 kg |
| Mast height | 8.8 m |
The 12 ft Skiff, is a dinghy dating to the early 1900s, it is 12 feet in length, hence the name and is a two man boat. Both the crew and the helm are able to us the trapeze at the same time. It has a asymmetric spinnaker and a jib, in addition to the mainsail.[1]
History
The origin of the Skiff is dubious, but it is thought to have roots in the smaller skiff's sailed on Sydney Harbour in the late 1800s. The Skiff became a class in its own right in 1924, when it was raced in several clubs around Britain, at this time the skiff was manned by a crew of 5, but around about the 1940s it changed to a two man boat, and then became the 2 man boat that is used today. After the 1940s the skiff went international.[2]
Nowadays the 12 ft Skiff is mainly sailed in Australia and New Zealand, although it is growing in popularity in Great Britain.[3]
Performance
The Skiff is similar to the larger and better known 18ft Skiff. Of all skiffs the 12footer is known for being the hardest to sail, primarily due to its small footprint relative to its sail area, being able to reach up to 25 knots.[4][5]
References
- ↑ "12ft Skiff Dinghy Class Information". www.noblemarine.co.uk. http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/boats/dinghy/12ft-Skiff/. Retrieved 2009-06-15.
- ↑ "Twelve Foot Skiff Association: History". www.skiff.org. http://www.skiff.org.au/history.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-15.
- ↑ sail-world.com Aussies fend off Kiwis in 12 ft skiff win, Sail World, January 13, 2007, http://www.sail-world.com/news.cfm?Nid=30251&SRCID=4 sail-world.com
- ↑ "12ft SKIFFS". www.vanmunsterboats.com. http://www.vanmunsterboats.com/12ft%20Skiffs.html. Retrieved 2009-06-15.
- ↑ "General Specifications". www.skiff.org.. http://www.skiff.org.au/technical.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-15.
