Inspired by Rolly Taskers offshore racing experience with the modified 40 Square Metre Boat Siska in Australia, followed by Fidelis’ success at the Sydney-Hobart race and the popular cruising Skärgårdskryssare S30, the Swede 55 project was started in 1974.
According to Reimers’ drawings dated March 1974, the first step towards Swede 55 was an International One Design 40 m2 Class with nominal 40 square meters. The drawing reveals the calculation of the nominal sail area, consisting of the mainsail triangle (4 × 13 m/2 being 26 m2) and the headsail triangle (3 × 11/2 x factor 0,85 being 14 sqm).
Reimers had planned a long keeled underwater body. The rudder being attached to the keel was still common on traditional yachts at the time, and it was prescribed by the Swedish square meter boat rule. On the other hand, eagerly sailed boats forerunners Siska, Fidelis or Bacchant already had the keel and rudder separated.
Accomodation of International Onedesign 40 Square Metre Boat by Knud Reimers dated March 1974 – CC BY-SA 4.0Sjöhistoriska museet
Note the tiller or wheel arrangement to steer the boat as an alternative. During summer 74, the project became a slightly longer One Design 55 square meter class.
The remarks in red of the drawing below show the transition to a modern keel and rudder configuration, a slight extension of the boat and other alterations. The up-to-date appendages came as input by Prof. Sven Olof Ridder of Stockholm, using specific NACA sections and a carefully balanced rudder. As an expert in low speed aerodynamics, inventor of the Windex wind indicator and consulting the design of SAAB airplanes, Ridder was a capacity.
According to Reimers’ drawings dated January 1975 and remarks on it, the general design was modified then in 75 and more or less completed in summer that year. Now the hull was extended from 51’7“ by 11“ (15.72 to 16 m). The center cockpit with steering position and later the engine compartment were altered. The headstay was moved forward.
The separation of keel and rudder provides good directional stability. The distance between the fins helps to control of the boat in a turbulent sea state and safe steering at high speed under spinnaker. The cleverly designed skegless rudder with carefully chosen balance enables the helmsman to turn the boat instantly and safely handle the 52 footer in narrow waters. However, the freestanding rudder was considered to be risky at the time.
An initial six-page folder introduced the project, followed by a nicely made up brochure by Gylling/Fisksätra.
Boat # 2 being covered in Swedish magazine På Kryss & Till Rors in 1976, a series of 15 boats were quickly sold. Here you find details regarding the construction of Swede 55 and more about the fleet.
