Designed in 1881 for racing in the often rough waters of Dublin Bay she was intended to compete in two local classes. The Dublin Bay 18 foot class and the Thames Rater 3 ton Class. She certainly is a big small boat with a 4′ 6″ draft a 9′ bowsprit and rather tall rig with her 18′ topsail yard set. She’ll also be a very capable boat even though designed for racing her designer/owner wanted a seaworthy boat and made sure she had ample beam and a seakindly hull form ensuring she could be used a very enjoyable daysailor.

Length Overall 30 ft.
Length on Deck 22 ft.
Length on Waterline 18ft.
Beam 7ft.
Draught 4 ft 3in.

Unusually for a gaff rigged boat of this type and era she is not a cutter and had a single headsail, of various sizes, set from the bowsprit. This would make single handing a lot easier as the head sail could be set up to self tack. It also means that the mast was hefty enough to not need running backstays. In any event the rig could be built exactly as you’d like.

Built in traditional or modern materials the Kingstown 18 footer would make a very cost effective and stunningly goodlooking boat for the modern sailor. With her large deep cockpit she’ll be comfortable for day sailing with friends and with all sail set she’ll make an exciting racer. If your looking for something a little bigger why not consider a Dublin Bay 21.

If you would like to have your own piece of yachting history built why not contact Tiernan Roe, about having your own boat built, by phoning +353 (0)28 38973 or e-mailing roeboats@ymail.com

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com