According to Reimers’ drawings dated March 1974, Swede 55 was first planned as an International One Design 40 m2 Class with nominal 40 square meters. Reimers had planned a long keeled underwater body. The rudder attached to the keel was still common on traditional yachts at the time, and it was prescribed by the Swedish square meter rule. On the other hand, eagerly sailed boats like Swede 55 forerunners Siska, Fidelis or Bacchant already had the keel and rudder separated.
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 quite 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, the first series of 15 boats were quickly sold. Here you find details regarding the construction of Swede 55 and more about the Swede 55 fleet.
