Key details

Current boat name
Lady Helmsman
Boat class
6902
Function
Sports and Leisure
Type
Dinghy

Dimensions and specifications

Length (m / ft)
7.62 / 25ft
Beam (m / ft)
4.26 / 13ft 11in
Leeward
Keel - fin
Masts
1
Rig type
wingmast and sail
Propulsion
Sail

Design and build

Designer
McAlpine-Downie/Farrar
Design date
1965
Date of build
1966
Place of build
Brightlingsea, Essex

Current status

Present use
Museum/NMMC

History

LADY HELMSMAN was built in 1966 to compete in the International Series of races for C class catamarans that started in 1961. Based on previous successful designs, she featured a special wing mast designed by Austin Farrar that contributed significantly to the power of the boat and helped her win the series in 1966, 1967 and 1968. She was very fast, especially upwind, and was reputed to have reached speeds of up to 30 knots. She was owned and sponsored by A Sanderson & Co Ltd, the marine paint manufacturers. October 2007