Leisurely class of its own

The H28 was designed to be safe and comfortable and has remained a popular cruiser for 60 years, writes ROBIN BAILEY



The sailor-friendly H28, designed by the great American L. Francis Herreshoff in 1942, has established a unique reputation around the world.

New Zealand is no exception. The H28 was built here in wood almost as soon as the design reached our shores.

Then, when our builders turned to GRP, Compass yachts in Auckland built more than 400 of them.

Today the class is supported by the New Zealand H28 Yacht Owners' Association, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this month. Chairman Richard Legge says the association was formed to both promote the class and to support H28 owners.

"We have more than 100 members throughout New Zealand, with local co-ordinators in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch," he says. "The association has also created a website to encourage contact with Herreshoff owners doing offshore cruises and to keep in touch with sister associations in Australia and the United States.

"We share news, advice and technical expertise through a monthly newsletter. There is a cruising programme in each of the strongholds, with rallies in Auckland every alternate weekend from October to June.

"We also stage trophy racing in Auckland and Nelson each season and for many years have had a class race as part of the Auckland Anniversary Regatta."

The H28 is the ideal keeler for those new to sailing or interested in comfortable cruising, especially family cruising. It is a sea-kindly and forgiving yacht, which means novices are less likely to get into serious trouble.

The Herreshoff design philosophy shows why this is the case. He created a boat that provided "maximum room for the cost without sacrificing looks and speed" and a shape that should stay entirely tight even if exposed to considerable strain " ... with a draft that is deep enough to allow good windward performance in heavy weather but shallow enough to avoid the need to row miles to shore when anchored in a picturesque bay".

Achieving that design brief explains why the H28 has been enduringly popular and why so many have ventured offshore.

Legge: "The yacht is by no means a racing machine. She is fast enough to get you there by afternoon and slow enough to give you room to manoeuvre out of danger.

"In the event of the wind failing, the motor [typically a small diesel] will get you home. A sensible anchor and good anchoring technique mean you are unlikely to drag. Standing headroom in the cabin means you are not cramped, even if facilities are basic compared to those at home.

"Most H28s are set up to comfortably sleep six. An autopilot, generous water tanks, on-board refrigeration, a good 'house battery' and a good-sized holding tank make cruising holidays stress-free.

"A good set of sails, a clean hull, the ability to steer the boat and an eye for the wind and waves makes racing competitive and fun."

This all adds up to a serious tick of approval for a 62-year-old design that is far from being a performer. The H28 is a tried and tested family cruiser that is an ideal first boat for someone keen to get into sailing. Well maintained, they hold their value, which is important for a new owner taking the stepping-stone approach and planning to move up to something more sophisticated.

As is the case with all class clubs, new members are welcomed by the H28 owners' association.

"We provide both companionship and support" says Legge. "Many new Auckland members have made their first passages to Great Barrier, the Bay of Islands or Coromandel in the company of more experienced H28 skippers. It allows them to get to know the yacht with none of the drama that can be encountered going solo."

The association is celebrating its 30th birthday with a dinner at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club next Saturday, May 1. They have the welcome mat out for those who own or have owned an H28 or those who would like to own one.