Designed in 1902 by Alfred Mylne for Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC), the Dublin Bay 21 Footers is a fleet of seven wooden one design-classic yachts built between 1903 and 1908. The goal of DBSC was to encourage inexpensive one-design racing
after the success of other one-design boats like the Water Wag (1887) and the
Colleen Class (1897). All seven Twentyones are now owned by the Class Association that is engaged in the revival and future security of the class. Naneen, Garavogue, Estelle and Geraldine now sail with the gaff sloop rig designed by Mylne in 1918. Oola will re-join the fleet in summer 2024 with Maureen and Inisfallen due in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The name Twentyone is derived from their waterline length of 21 feet. The overall length is 32.5 feet (9.9m), beam is 7.5 feet (2.25m), sail area is 600 sq ft (55.7m2), and displacement is 3.6 tons, 2 tons of which is the lead keel. They are not equipped with engines or winches and sail with a crew of 4 or 5.
We welcome experienced and novice mariners from near and far
to share the unique experience of sailing truly authentic classic one-design
yachts. The collective ownership of the boats by the Class Association allow today's sailors to share in a uniquely authentic experience 120 years after the fleet's first appearance, by joining a sister organisation "
Sailors of Dublin Bay Twentyones". This is an association of enthusiasts which supports the revival and future security of the Twentyones by maintaining the fleet and sailing the boats in races and events held in the vicinity of Dublin Bay during the sailing season, April to October. Members of the "
Sailors" contribute towards the annual running costs.
The fleet has been widely acknowledged as the oldest class of racing - cruising yachts in the
world.
