THE WORLD’S FIRST EXTERNAL LEAD KEEL
Vril not only had a uniquely high ballast ratio but all her ballast was carried in an external lead keel – design we now regard as conventional, but then a world first. Unlike some of the extreme yachts that others would pen to beat her, Vril was not of extreme shape. Her low centre of gravity was complimented by a very low wetted surface giving her an easily driven and stable form. Her success against rivals drawn by the likes of William Fife proved the new principles upon which she was conceived. Able to carry a large sail area which was nevertheless easily handled, Vril set a standard that changed the future of yacht design.
As design number 5 in what was to become a portfolio of 432 yachts, lifeboats and ships, Vril was the launching pad which propelled one of the greatest and most prolific yacht designers of all time to prominence. All believe that she will be exhilarating and rewarding to sail and her original drawings prompt enthusiasm in all who see them.
“A fine round bodied little vessel, with a large sectional area and great sail-carrying powers. In several ways she might be considered a novelty, as she was the first yacht that was fitted with a heavy lead keel consisting of the whole of her ballast”
“The Vril’s record was remarkably good, and though the three friends, assisted by an amateur or two, were her only crew during her first season-for her owners would not have a paid hand on board”
“She won a full quantum of first prizes, and with the clever boats she had for rivals praise must be meted out not only to the little yacht herself, but to those who sailed her for the smart manner in which she was handled”
Five-tonners and five-raters in the North by G.L. Blake in Badminton Library – Yachting, 1894.
AVAILABLE FOR RE-BUILDING
Thanks to the remarkable survival of original drawings, data and her half model, it is possible to accurately re-build Vril – the precursor of all modern racing yachts. Significant research and design work has already been carried out. Construction could either be traditional or in line with more modern boat building methods. Similarly, we have made provisions for a small engine and simple systems.
- Length Extreme: 15.30 m
- Length On Deck: 9.85 m
- Length Waterline: 8.78 m
- Beam: 1.92 m
- Draft: 1.69 m
- Displacement: 6.6 Tonnes
- Original Construction: Wood
- Proposed Construction: Wood
