Elizabethan Classes

Elizabethan yachts were originally made by Peter Webster Limited at Ropewalk Boat Yard, Lymington, Hampshire, England. Peter himself is credited with some Elizabethan designs but his original designer was CR Holman (Kim was possibly best known for his Stella OD and Twister designs) but latterly Peter worked closely with David Thomas, the world renowned yacht designer, who was responsible for the 30 (9 metre), 31 and 33 .

Peter Webster Limited manufactured the Elizabethan classes between the early 1960's up until the mid 1970's, when the moulds were sold. They continued to make Elizabethans up until 1985, mostly for home finishing. Built of GRP, at a time when boat builders were learning the capabilities of the material, the Elizabethan classes are built robustly. Unlike modern designs they have relatively low freeboard, are narrow for their length and achieve a high degree of stability from heavy ballast ratios.

The 29 was the first model launched in 1962 the 35 followed soon after. The 30 was designed in 1968, the 23 followed in 1969, The 31 was an offering for the late 1960's and the 33 was offered at the 1974 London Boat Show.

The underwater profile of all classes have some similarity however the 23 was a lifting keel, the 30 a fin with skeg and the other models are long keel.

The Elizabethan was offered in a number of gel coat colours which is why they all seem so different and variable. They were very often finished by their owners which is why fixtures and fittings, desk layout and rigging never seem to be the same.

With every new owner they seem to get more variable. Bigger engines have been fitted, the skeg has been modified by some to fit larger propellers, and sail plans come in all shapes and sizes.

Some beautiful examples have even been converted to Cutter rig. The one thing they all have in common is sea kindliness and an ability to look after their crew. Even the 23 has made many ocean crossings.

Today most are owned by couples. The layouts mean they can be sailed comfortably two-up or even single handed. If maintained they hold their price. Although it is unusual to see them for sale, as many have had the same owner from the early 1980s, they are exceptional value.