In the world of sailing, tradition and competition go hand in hand and the St. Mawes One Design (SMOD) is the epitome of this ethos. A beautiful wooden day sailer steeped in tradition; St. Mawes One Design has captured the hearts of sailors for nearly a century. Designed by Frank Peters in the early 1920s specifically for racing, these boats have become synonymous with elegance and competitive spirit.
In this blog post, as we’re amid the legendary Falmouth Rach Week, we delve into the world of the St. Mawes One Design, exploring its rich history and enduring legacy. Joined by Miles Carden, the CEO of Falmouth Harbour, for an exclusive interview where we’ll discuss the continued presence of the St. Mawes One Design in today’s sailing scene.
Can you tell us about the history of St Mawes One Design? How did this event begin?
The St Mawes One Design is a classic wooden day sailing boat created in the early 1920s. It emerged shortly after the formation of the St Mawes Sailing Club in response to the need for a standardised boat because many who competed for the club had different boats, making competition unfair.
Designed by Frank Peters, a local sailor and boatbuilder who was frustrated by consistent losses, and the loss to another local, Dr James, was the final straw. Frank took matters into his own hands and thus the first St Mawes One Design boat, ‘Aileen’ was built.
Sixteen feet long, numbered No.1 and of carvel construction with pine planking on ribs of rock elm. To give the boat stability six 56lb iron weights are incorporated into the design together with a cast iron centerplate weighing 150lbs. She was gunter rigged with a mainsail holding 12.3m2 and a jib of 4.1m2 with a 2’6″ bowsprit.
Peter’s construction of Aileen at the age of twenty-one solidified his reputation as a skilled boatbuilder and sailor. The boat’s success quickly spurred the building of two more, ‘Mooncat’ and ‘Phoebe’. This rapid growth fostered class racing, and by the outbreak of World War II, a small fleet of four to eight boats was regularly competing under the St. Mawes Sailing Club.
The design and race grew in success and popularity, and the class grew in popularity throughout the mid-20th century and today it forms an integral part of Falmouth Race Week. The Class celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2023. A total number of 45 boats have been built over the past 101 years of which a surprising 43 boats are still in existence in Mawes but with some in Falmouth and other parts of the Carrick Roads.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your sailing experience and your role in organising the St Mawes One Design and other events for Falmouth?
Sailing has formed a key part of my life since I started sailing in my mirror dinghy when I was about 12. I have sailed regularly for the last 40 years since and sailed in Falmouth week over 20 times over those years.
I own my own One Design boat “Ariel” OD No 30 (built in 1959) and have done for 38 years.
I also work in the Harbour too being CEO of Falmouth Harbour, joining in 2021 after a period of working across property, economic development, marketing, trade and investment and the aviation, aerospace and space industries.
As Chief Executive, I’m a member of the Board and am responsible for the sustainable growth of Falmouth Harbour, management and development of the Organisation.
Can you explain how this event works? Who is racing here? How are the results scored?
Sailing Week for St Mawes features six days of fleet racing amongst others dayboats in the the Carrick Roads (lower Fal estuary). The week commences with a race briefing on the first Saturday, followed by racing each day from Sunday to the following Saturday, with daily and series prizes, and is complemented by comprehensive shoreside events for everyone. The races are scored with low points scoring with 1 for a win. Lowest score wins with 1 race a day.
Have you/do you compete in this event – could you tell us about your experience here?
Yes, I have competed in over 20 Falmouth Weeks, this is my first race week for over 17 years as I couldn’t compete with young family commitments. But they have left school, so we are back! I sail with my son Finley aged 17 as crew or my wife Tash. A real family affair.
These are great family boats and my youngest son Noah, 16 years old is helming another OD No 35 Outlaw – so the pressure is on!
How many sailors are expected to compete this year?
We have 6-7 boats racing in the Class this week – 12-14 people as the boat has 2 crew.
Are there any specific aspects of St Mawes One Design that set it apart from other sailing events? What makes it unique?
This 16-foot daysailer suitable both for cruising and racing are built in St Mawes and is found nowhere else. Designed for the local waters, in over 40 years of racing I haven’t found a better One Design close racing anywhere else. They can be raced from the ages of 16 to 70 years and beyond. They are just lovely boats.
What are your hopes for this year’s St Mawes One Design?
This is our 101st year and this is the largest entry we have had in Falmouth week for over a decade – we hope the build in interest of the Class since our 100th will continue. The support we are getting from Gill is incredible and I hope that will help a lot with interest in our lovely fleet.