The X Boat is a simple, sail training and racing sailboat, intended for junior sailors under 16 years of age. Originally constructed of wood, it is now built predominantly of fiberglass, with wooden trim. It has a fractionalsloop with aluminum spars, a spooned raked stem, an angled transom, a rounded, transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller fitted with a tiller extension and it has a retractable centerboard. It displaces 470 lb (213 kg).[1][2][5]
The boat has a draft of 2.58 ft (0.79 m) with the centerboard extended. The boat can be transported on a trailer.[1]
The design has a Portsmouth Yardstick racing average handicap of 97.7 and is normally raced with a crew of two sailors.[2]
Operational history
The class is supported by the Inland Lake Yachting Association, which organizes racing regattas.[6] The annual association championship for the class often attracts over 100 boats to compete.[5]
In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood wrote, "The X Boat was designed as a low-performance training boat for junior programs. With the exception of the boom vang, sail control is minimal so as to emphasize handling skills ... Since 1984 the Portsmouth Number has dropped dramatically."[2]
