Skerry cruiser

Lore & Background

The Square metre rule was created in 1907 by the Swedish Sailing Federation to replace earlier simple handicap rules that had produced unsafe, extreme racing machines. The committee completed its proposal in 1908, establishing classes by fixed sail area with minimum weight and cabin requirements. Initial classes were 22 m2, 30 m2, 45 m2, and 55 m2, with others added later, including 38 m2 in 1911 and 15 m2, 75 m2, 95 m2, 120 m2, and 150 m2 in 1913. In 1915, a new 40 m2 class was introduced, but the 38 m2 and 45 m2 classes continued to exist separately. The rule became very popular in the Baltic region; between 1907 and 1920, Finnish yards alone built some 600 Square metre rule yachts, and during peak years skerry cruisers made up 95 percent of yards' output.

Reader's Guide

The Square metre rule was less restrictive than competing International Rules, allowing previously built boats to enter classes with modified rigging and giving designers a relatively free hand. Top designers like Finns Gustaf Estlander and Zake Westin pushed sailboat technology to extremes: for example, early 40 m2 boats were around 9 to 10 metres long, but in 1923 Westin designed a 40 m2 boat 15.2 metres long with a beam of only 1.74 m, a length-to-beam ratio of nearly 9 to 1. The 150 m2 Singoalla, designed by Estlander in 1919, was claimed to be the fastest boat in the Baltic. However, such extreme hulls were perceived as too weak and uncomfortable, leading to declining popularity. The 30 m2 and 40 m2 classes were accepted to the 1920 Summer Olympics but only a handful of boats participated. The Swedish Sailing Federation enacted modifications from 1916 onward, including stricter construction standards, minimum freeboard, maximum lengths, and minimum internal space for accommodations. The final revision of the rule was issued in 1925 and is still in effect with minor changes. The rule has a devoted following in Sweden, Finland, and Germany, and many German square metre boats were confiscated by the British during and after World War II, becoming known as 'Windfall' yachts.

Did You Know?

• The term 'skerry cruiser' comes from the Swedish skärgårdskryssare; the English translation is somewhat misleading because the Swedish word 'kryssare' has a broader meaning.
• Between 1907 and 1920, Finnish yards alone built some 600 Square metre rule yachts, and during peak years skerry cruisers made up 95 percent of yards' output.
• In 1923, designer Gustaf Estlander created a 40 m2 boat that was 15.2 metres long with a beam of only 1.74 m, a length-to-beam ratio of nearly 9 to 1.
• Many German square metre boats were confiscated by the British during and after World War II and transferred to Britain, where they became known as 'Windfall' yachts.