Category Archives: Historical articles
The Story of the S&S 34 mould, as told by Merv Finn in the Aug 1983 newsletter
Merv and later his son Mike Finn were the owners of Huckleberry, this article is about some of the early history of the S&S 34 in Australia, not just the mould which was bought to Australia by the Swarbrick brothers in 1970. Continue reading
Letter from Sparkman & Stephens re new tall rig, July 1982
This letter was sent to Dr Fred Grauaug as President of the Association in 1982, in response to a query as to the most favourable rig dimensions (with a view to racing competitively). As always this is a trade off between light air vs heavy air performance, and rating. The recommended dimensions were ultimately standardised as the “Mk 2” or “tall” rig with a 43′ “I” measurement, although the longer 12’6″ (13.8m) “E” measurement was retained. There were some individual variations as owners did “their own thing” but most tall rigs are close to the S&S specs (see the also the plans under the “new boat” section). Please click on the link below to read the full letter:
Letter from S&S re new rig 20 July 82
Click here for a higher res view of the old rig plans: copy of original rig plan from S&S re new rig 20 July 82
How boats were built at Winfield’s – letter from former employee Keith Graham
I am a joiner and was accepted at Michael Winfield’s in `68 when I was 21yrs to help with the building of this now famous marque. I am now 64yrs so a tad slow in my thoughts but do have a superb memory of everything I have done in my trade. I have attached 6 pictures. Continue reading