A decade ago, a new department debuted in a fall issue of Soundings. It was called Classics, and the section was designed to highlight antique craft (built from 1919 to 1942) and classic models (from 1943 to 1975), both power and sail. The editors selected the boats to be featured and illustrator Jim Ewing used his significant talent to create rich visuals for each model. Over time, we added “late classics” to the mix, or boats built from 1976 to the late 1990s. The department was well-received from the moment it left the dock, and over the years Classics has become one of our most popular sections.
At this time of year, we draw up a list of boats to cover in 2023. To develop the candidates, we talk with builders and designers in the industry, friends and colleagues, neighbors at the dock and the professionals who help us care for and maintain our boats. But over the years, we’ve found the best source of ideas is the Soundings readership. Yep, that’s you.
I’m hoping you can take a minute to drop me a line and share your thoughts on a great classic that should be featured in Soundings. We’ve covered a number of fine designs in the past, including the mahogany-planked Wheeler 38 Playmate that was fished by Ernest Hemingway in 1938, and the Chris-Craft Commander 38 built in 1962 that was the largest fiberglass model in production at the time. We’ve featured the Friendship Sloop, Wasque 32, Dyer 29, Rybovich 42 (above)and the Bertram 31, a boat that continues to fascinate people. (For proof, see the story on the refit of a 31 in this issue.) But we know we’ve missed other great boats too. So, tell us, which classics do you want to see?
-Jeanne Craig, [email protected]
This article was originally published in the November 2022 issue.
