The International 110 is a two-person, one-design racing sailboat designed by C. Raymond Hunt in 1939. It is recognized as a classic yacht design and remains an active racing class, primarily in North America. The "110" in its name refers to the original target displacement of approximately 1100 pounds, although its actual displacement is closer to 1200 pounds.
History
The International 110 was conceived in the late 1930s by Boston yachtsman C. Raymond Hunt, who aimed to design a high-performance, yet affordable, one-design racing keelboat. The design criteria emphasized speed, stability, and ease of construction, making it accessible to a wider range of sailors during the economic climate of the late Depression era.The first International 110 was built in 1939, and the class quickly gained popularity due to its exciting performance and relatively low cost. Early boats were constructed using plywood, a then-innovative material for boat building, contributing to its affordability and the ability for amateur builders to construct their own.
A significant design modification occurred early in the class's history. The original design featured an unstayed mast, which proved prone to failure under certain conditions. By 1947, the class rules were officially amended to allow and later mandate a stayed mast configuration, greatly improving the rig's reliability. Fiberglass construction became common later in the class's history, alongside plywood.
Design and Characteristics
The International 110 is distinctive for its long, narrow, hard-chine hull. This design, revolutionary for its time, allowed for efficient hydrodynamics and spirited performance, particularly upwind.- Length Overall (LOA): 24 feet (7.32 meters)
- Length at Waterline (LWL): 20 feet (6.10 meters)
- Beam: 4 feet 8 inches (1.42 meters)
- Draft: 2 feet 10 inches (0.86 meters)
- Sail Area: Approximately 220 sq ft (20.44 sq m)
- Hull Type: Hard-chine, fin keel
- Displacement: Approx. 1,200 lbs (544 kg)
- Crew: 2 (skipper and crew)
The boat features a fractional sloop rig, typically with a main sail and jib. Its relatively deep keel for its size provides good stability and excellent upwind performance. The simple cockpit layout and robust construction contribute to its enduring appeal as a club racer.
Racing and Popularity
The International 110 has fostered a dedicated racing community for over eight decades. National and regional championships are regularly held, particularly in the United States, where the class has strong fleets on the East Coast (e.g., Massachusetts, Maine) and on the Great Lakes. The one-design nature ensures that racing success is primarily determined by sailing skill rather than equipment advantage.Its combination of performance, simple maintenance, and historical significance has cemented its place as a beloved and enduring class in the world of amateur sailboat racing.
See Also
- International Harvester 110: In a different context, "110" may refer to specific models or wheelbases of trucks and tractors produced by the former International Harvester company, such as the International Harvester Scout II with its 110-inch wheelbase option, or various light-duty truck series where "110" denoted a capacity or model variant.
References
- International 110 Class Association official website
- Various yachting publications and design histories of C. Raymond Hunt.