David Heritage chosen to build new composite Victory

New Victory Class boats can be of composite construction

The Portsmouth Victory Class took steps to secure its future this month by ordering the production of a mould and the first Victory to be of composite construction.

The 21’ racing day boat is one of several specifically designed by Alfred Westmacott for Solent racing conditions. After a nationwide search the well known Isle of Wight business of David Heritage Racing Yachts is to undertake the work which will complement their established Etchells expertise.

The composite Victory will have the same appearance as the original boats with wooden trim on a composite black hull and deck coloured according to the owner’s sailing club or taste. The class has been meticulous in ensuring that the new boats will be of the same weight and weight distribution as those existing so that both types of boat can race evenly against one another as befits its strict “one design” philosophy.

The new boats will be available in bare hull form, completed hull and deck and a complete sail away version. Prices are very competitive with similar craft and the current price for the sail away package is just under £21000 including VAT.

Class captain Jeremy Lear explained “ We have always known that our one design racing, organisation and shore side facilities are second to none, but the obligation to maintain wooden boats, some of which are more than 50 years old, has deterred many local sailors from joining the class. By introducing a composite version, we aim to expand the local fleet and facilitate the replacement of older boats. At least six current owners have indicated they are considering purchasing a replacement hull and deck which will enable them to transfer the existing spars, sails and fittings from their wooden hulls.

Several boats are owned by syndicates allowing the helming duties to be shared over the 3 races each week (Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons). This is a particularly economical way of getting into some of the best one design yacht racing on the South Coast. The Class has its own mooring areas, service launch, dinghy storage and winter lay up facilities.

The building of the first composite boat, Z 73 is being funded by the Class and is expected to be sailing early next season. It will be available for a trial sail/race by anyone interested. “

Further Victory Class information can be obtained from Jeremy Lear at 02392 383176 or at www.victoryclass.org.uk

Further details on David Heritage Racing Yachts can be found at the website www.davidheritage.co.uk