Due to the turbulent development of the Square Metre Class during its first decades, the design, and boat building regulations became repeatedly more precise. In 1925, the Skerry Cruiser Rule was fundamentally revised. So the Skerry Cruiser Rule, as we know it today, is a hundred years old now in its final fourth version. The Square Metre Boat aficionados quietly celebrate this round birthday in their natural way. They are keeping, restoring and caring their treasures in the winter. And in the precious summer weeks, they are enjoying the agility and elegance of their Skärgårdskryssare: Racing and cruising them in the paradise of the Swedish skerries, on European lakes or coastal waters.
For a while now there are rumours about a new concept for the 30 Square Metre Class developed by Hakan Södergren. This new Skerry Cruiser design approach is great news and fits nicely to the centenary birthday of the 1925 rule. As the illustration on top reveals, it is a fairly fresh approach and at first sight not a typical Skerry Cruiser.
A closer look at this fresh approach to the Skärgårdskryssare
Within the past decades, many designers — among them Ian Howlett or Peter Norlin — tried their talent in the class. Finishing his education as a naval architect in Southampton, Klaus Röder carried out extensive studies on how to optimise a rule compliant 30 m2 boat. Obviously, the Skärgårdskryssare is well evaluated within in constraints of the rule for a century now. So what could be achieved today, being not just different, but better? Naval architect Håkan Södergren from Stockholm gave some preliminary insights. I hope to get further information and illustrations in the upcoming weeks to beef up this article. At this time, there are four details I can mention:
Firstly, the design reminds on a recent 5.5 or 6 metre design due to its vertical stem. The cut away forward overhang saves weight. What is relevant for sailing is the efficient waterline, not the traditional bow overhang, as we all know and admire it on the elegant Skerry cruisers.
Secondly, Södergren carefully adjusted to so-called prismatic Coefficient. This value describes the fullness of the forward and aft section of the immersed hull in relation to the main section. Here, the naval architect adjusts the resistance of a hull to reach its maximum speed with minimum resistance. Conventional Skerry cruisers come with a prismatic Coefficient of 0.53–0.54. Södergren has planned his new 30 m2 design for 0.55–0.56.
Thirdly, Södergren moved the max. beam backwards from the main section, where the Rule measures the beam. This provides some advantages. Further, the considerable width in the aft section will improve reaching and downwind speed.
Fourthly, Södergren considered the wetted surface of the keel. The Rule asks for a minimum keel length, measured as a horizontal plane. This in turn leads commonly to a raked rudder post. The rudder has to be attached to the keel. As the raked rudder is not beneficial to manoeuvre the boat, Södergrens new design obtained a different keel, permitting a steeper rudder angle.
Fresh approach by Södergrens 30 Square Metre Boat concept
As Södergren explains, the concept is in an advanced but still preliminary stage. In autumn, more details will be discussed with a well reputed Swedish boat builder, ideally as a small series, possibly with a first boat being firmly ordered to get things going. A small series would help to keep costs within a reasonable frame and extend the class into its next century.
Södergren Design No. 283
Length over All
11,46 m
Length Waterline
8,72 m
Beam
2,25 m
Draft
1,54 m
Rigging and Sail data
I Measurement (Headsail Height)
8,66 m
M Measurement
11,96 m
B Measurement (Mainsail Base)
3,54 m
J Measurement (Headsail Base)
2,52 m
Skerry cruiser measurement, principal numbers
Lx (ideal Length, measured 18 cm above WL at the 30 m2 class)
10,42 m
Freeboard height (min. 0,55 m)
0,67 m
Keel length (min. 2,63 m)
2,65 m
Mean Beam (consisting of b0 = 2,22 m, b1 = 2,07 m, b2 = 1,58 m)
2,01 m
The Skärgårdskryssar is an open design class and as such a kind of laboratory, with a fresh approach like this one by Håkan Södergren to be created, tried and evaluated in the near future. A nice way to celebrate of the 100-year anniversary of the 1925 Rule. It will be interesting to see how the fairly beamy boat will perform in light wind compared to classy slim boats. And what happens in a stronger breeze, in particular downwind.
Literature
Per Thelander: Alla våra Skärgårdskryssare, Svenska Skärgårdskryssareförbundet (SSKF), Stockholm 1991, 160 Seiten (Swedish), secondhand, ISBN: 91-970902-1-2.
Per Thelander, Maria Thorsell: Jakt på kryss. 25 år med Svenska Skärgårdskryssareförbundet, Stockholm 1997, 212 Seiten (Swedish), ISSN 0282-4892.
The world of Square Metres. The Square Metre Rule – 100 years. Facts, history, and reports from all over the globe. Svenska Skärgårdskryssareförbundet (SSKF), Stockholm 2008, ISBN 978-91-633-3069-8 (English)
Tapani Koskela: I have won, I have lost. The ultimate biography of Tore Holm – Sweden’s greatest yacht designer. Museiförenigen Sveriges Fritidsbåtar/Veteranbåtsföreningen, 515 Seiten, Stockholm: 2021. ISBN: 978 91 519 0016 2. (English). An excellent book about the Holm family, their yard, and boats.
Fourth version of the Skerrycruiser Rule dated 1925 is available as a 47-page PDF in English on the website of the Svenska Skärgårdskryssare Förbundet (SSKF).
Link to Södergren Yachts. His son joined the trade with Oscar Södergren Design. Rendering on top by Håkan Södergren illustrating the steeper rudder angle. Published July 8, 25, updated October 10, 25. You found this article worth reading? → Subscribe the free Newsletter and you won’t miss future publications.
