ANTIQUE CLASSIC WOOD R BOAT …WITHOUT THAT OLD BOAT SMELL!!

Marconi ¾ Rig Racing Sloop - ZYKLON

This sleek R boat vessel was designed in 1928 by Charles Mower, New York. The R-Class yacht design is based on Nathanael Herreshoff’s Universal rules and R boat racing was popular during the 1920's. Over the last decade many R's that were thought to have been lost have reemerged out of workshops all over North America looking as good as new and there’s one right here in Milwaukee WI.  

Zyklon (Meaning Cyclone in German) graced the Milwaukee racecourse for decades as she beat many non-classic sailboat competitors. Zyklon’s owner recently recounted: “She was the fastest on the course, sometimes clocking in at 15 knots!” Zyklon turned 95 this year and this classic boat has been in the process of getting a fresh start in life. Her long life has included attentive care by not only the owners but a dedicated boat “caregiver” for the past 50 years as evidenced by the photos included.  

Rigging: The owners have stayed true to the classic yet durable restorations with composite spars and booms and "classic" yet modern (North) sails. In fact, the rigging of the Genoa jib sheets closer to the mainsail affords a stiffer, flatter sail. The restoration to make Zyklon a true racing boat continued by using newer genny tracks with adjustable ball bearing controls, self-tailing 2-speed winches, an aluminum mast, plus modern travelers and navigational equipment. Aluminum masts mean less maintenance as well. The masts have internal halyards for ease in hoisting sails. The 1960’s vintage roller furler(actually 2 of them!) are in great shape as is the navigation equipment including a nice vintage compass. Jumper struts and an 18” boomkin were also added to increase forward and backstay area.

The solid mahogany toe rails are raised 4 inches, so you won’t slide off! a flush deck with doghouse, and a traditional interior with solid mahogany and raised paneling, even the enormous floor timbers are sturdy. The Dorade Vent cowls are collector’s items in themselves. The solid brass Highly polished ventilator cowls are nine to Twelve inches tall with base flange pierced for four bolts. The marine windows are not the typical square, but radius corners… a beautiful touch because the solid mahogany trim holds in the windows securely.

The atomic 4 engine is in great shape, and you can depend on its starting not to mention being super quiet. But there is an extra engine in reserve just in case.  

Measuring 40’10” overall, with a waterline of 27’, a narrow beam of 9’ and a draft of 5’ 9', Zyklon carries approximately 600 sq. ft of sail. With her cutaway forefoot, long bow and stern overhangs plus a heavy deep draft, heavily ballasted lead hull (16,800 lbs) Zyklon is in “extremely good shape for her age” (Ferdinand Nimphius, Shipwright, Nimphius Boatworks June 2023). “The diagonal strapping is a plus adding more stiffness to the hull not to mention strong keepers to stabilize the loads on the chain plates”.

And… for you racers? The PHRF handicap runs between 145-165 😊 Yeah!