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The Boat From True Spirit - Sparkman & Stephens
August 12, 2024 · 13 min · 18K views
What this video covers
Sparkman & Stephens design number 1959, the 34-foot masthead sloop famously used by Jessica Watson for her solo circumnavigation, features a distinct hull with significant tumblehome and a five-window coach top configuration.2:12 While the movie *True Spirit* depicts a version of this boat, its coach top design differs from the original 1968 UK-built model and the Australian-built Swarbrick version.2:34 These IOR-era designs prioritize speed while heeled, often exhibiting instability in heavy seas due to their narrow ends and wide midsections.4:52 The 1980 Sparkman & Stephens design number 2166 serves as a 35.5-foot successor, sharing similar keel, skeg, and rudder geometry.5:28 This model features a Volvo MD 2030 engine paired with a Volvo S120 sail drive, eliminating the need for traditional stuffing boxes.11:31 Despite their age, these vessels remain capable offshore cruisers for single-handed sailors, provided the balsa-cored decks and hull integrity are maintained.11:57
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