Sailing yachtNetherlands flag

Twister

Moored in Amsterdam.

Signal 3 min ago 52.39105°N, 4.88530°E Destination Amsterdam

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Length36 m

Beam6.0 m

Draught2.8 m

FlagNetherlands

This is Twister

The Twister is a masthead rigged sloop, length 28 feet (8.5 metres), beam 8 feet 1 inch (2.46 metres), draft 5 feet (1.5 metres). It has a full-length keel and a full-depth transom-hung rudder which is tiller steered.

History

Kim Holman was born in Cornwall and established himself as a yacht designer on the English East Coast after World War II. The new design was baptised "Stella", and was so successful in races that several were built in wood. After a few years demand came for a yacht with the same looks, but with more length, space and seaworthiness, while still keeping the same rating as the Stella. Holman met this challenge and called his design "Twister", because he felt he had advantageously 'twisted' the rules for measurement of racing yachts, which are used to define their handicap when racing. The name also reflected a popular dance of those days.

Current use

Most Twisters nowadays are used for cruising, and although they generally have bunks for four crew, they provide ample, cosy accommodation for two people. The Twister is a "modern classic" in which many long voyages (Atlantic circuits, circumnavigation) have been made. Most of them have their homeport in the U.K. or Ireland but they are found around the world. There is an active Twister Class Association with a frequently used website.