Warsash One Design


The Warsash One Design is a 27 ft Sloop-rigged sailing yacht which was constructed of glassfibre by Russell Marine of Leigh on Sea, Essex, in the 1960s.
The yacht was designed by Fred Parker, a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and drew heavily on the design of the Folkboat. The principal differences between the Warsash One Design and the Folkboat are the WOD’s counter stern, masthead rig and substantial encapsulated lead ballast, giving a ballast ratio of 60%.
The vessel was normally fitted with a small inboard engine but on some boats a lazarette in the counter stern incorporated an outboard well with removable GRP plug. This allowed the yacht to be propelled by a small outboard motor. To do this, the GRP plug is removed and the leg and propeller of the outboard passed through the aperture to project below the outline of the hull.
Accommodation below is basic with settee berths to port and starboard. Forward of the main bulkhead is a small forepeak typically with a sea toilet beneath a V-berth. A rudimentary galley is incorporated just forward of the companionway. Interior joinery is of marine plywood on hardwood frames and the hull interior finish is painted GRP.
The WOD was initially intended as an offshore one design class but the WOD proved to be an extremely capable offshore cruiser and became a popular choice for long distance voyaging. Jim Dilley sailed WOD 25 ‘Reiger’, not fitted with an engine, from the UK to New Zealand. 'Reiger' was later sailed to Tasmania by her next owner Ben Tucker. Two WODs have participated in the Jester Challenge.
The principal dimensions are as follows: