At the Wanderer AGM in January 2005 there was a lively discussion as to whether we should once again look at modifications to the boat. The main reason why this question has raised its head is concern over the reduction in sales of Wanderers, the falling membership of the WCOA, and increasing competition from other classes in what might be described as our part of the small boat market – i.e. the general purpose, cruiser/racer section. Although we undoubtedly have the best 14 ft. general purpose dinghy around, it may seem to some to be “old-fashioned”. The main potential changes discussed were the thorny questions (both discussed at length at previous AGMs) of centre main sheeting and slot gaskets.

Centre main sheeting:

The problem is that today most sailing schools no longer teach aft sheeting in their basic courses, and the boats now used in training are almost exclusively centre main sheeted. As a result newcomers to our sport being steered towards boats with centre main sheeting, and away from the Wanderer, one of the few classes still to have aft sheeting. Also, sailing schools no longer choose Wanderers for their training fleets. In fact the Topper class, another Ian Proctor design, has recently decided to allow centre main sheeting for this very reason.
 

What would be the practical effects? Well for one thing there is no doubt that it is safer to tack and gybe while facing the way you are going, rather than looking backwards! Centre main sheeting would also make the boat easier to handle single-handed. The effect on performance would not be great. The only advantage that can be seen is that it would be easier to cleat the mainsheet and so, arguably, exert more power on the sail. But on the other hand, in a blow it is probably advisable not to cleat the main! One other point which has been raised is whether centre sheeting would encumber the crew, and this needs to be looked at.

The WCOA Committee was asked by the AGM to study the problem, and decided that the best way forward was for two or three boats to be converted so that the idea could be tried out and people could see what was involved. Our gallant Chairman (re-elected like George Bush for a further term of office) has volunteered “Black Mischief”. My boat “Thistle” will also have the operation, as will David Davies’s. There will therefore be one boat each in the Thames Valley area, the South East and the West Country fitted with centre main, and at least two will be there to be seen at the training weekend at British Airways Silver Wing S.C. on 23rd / 24th April For official Wanderer racing events they will be reconverted to aft sheeting (this can be easily done).

Slot Gaskets:
Again, the Wanderer is one of the very few classes not to have this fitting. However, unlike centre main sheeting, slot gaskets would be likely to have a noticeable effect on boatspeed This at any rate has been the experience of the Wayfarer class which allowed the change recently.

Pressure for this change comes from both cruising and racing sections of the class, and “Why don’t Wanderers have slot gaskets?” could be classed as an F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Question) from enquirers and boat owners. From the cruising angle, the big advantage is that slot gaskets will prevent (or at least greatly reduce) the risk of pebbles and shingle getting into the casing and jamming the centreboard. As was amply demonstrated last year at the East Coast cruise in May, this can be a serious problem. An added advantage, which would be particularly appreciated by crews, is that slot gaskets prevent that clammy feeling as water funnels up the casing between the legs!
From the boat handling angle, the turbulence caused by the open casing can significantly affect the performance of the rudder, reducing its effectiveness by up to 50%. This can have serious consequences, especially in a gybe. The reduced turbulence and drag would improve control, as well as having a positive effect on boat speed. This could be of special benefit to Wanderers sailing in handicap fleets and finding it difficult to compete on handicap with other classes. It seems likely that if this modification were to be approved it would be an attractive and inexpensive option for both racers and cruisers. Fitting slot gaskets is not a major problem, and indeed I suspect that a number of owners, unaware that they are at present prohibited, have done so already! No trials or demos are planned for the slot gasket, but we have to decide as a class whether to allow the change as part of a drive to shake off the “old-fashioned” tag, as well as being a sensible improvement in its own right.

Our builders, Porter Brothers are also looking at the boat to see what other minor cosmetic changes might be made without altering the basic character of the boat – for example the MD conversion of the buoyancy tanks could be made to look a lot neater. This exercise together with any changes such as those described above could be used for a “re-launch” of the Wanderer, bringing it once more to the attention of the boating public. But while it is very clear that this is necessary if we are to keep abreast with developments in our sport, we must avoid at all costs creating a split in the class and straying from the basic principles set out by the designer, Ian Proctor.

The aim of this article is to tell WCOA members what is going on and invite your thoughts and comments, both on the specific proposals, and in general on how to make the boat more attractive in a difficult market place. Write to Terry Pullen the magazine editor, or to any other member of the Committee, or air your views on the Wanderer Forum. Decision time will come at the 2006 AGM.

Gavin Barr
W1282 “Thistle”