Goldeneye vs. Typhoon

[casampson]

Has anyone sailed both a Goldeneye and a Typhoon? I have just sold my Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co. Goldeneye and am replacing it with a Typhoon. Would be very interested in how they compare. They have similar specs, virtually the same length, beam, draft, etc., except the displacement on the Goldeneye is about 2500 pounds with a ballast of 1350 pounds. vs. 2000 and 900, respectively, for the Typhoon. The Goldeneye is also a masthead rig while the Typhoon is fractional. The Goldeneye also has about two feet more waterline than the Typhoon and 50 sq. foot more sail area. Perhaps they are not as similar as I thought! Anyway, if anyone out there can do a comparison, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks.

Chris

P.S. Another big difference: there were about 2000 Typhoons manufactured, but only 90 Goldeneyes...

[Adam]

The CCSB Golden eye is a modification by Sidney Herreshoff (in the early 1950's) to his fathers "improvement to the Herreshoff 12 1/2" design #1133 "FANO" (Built 1930). It appears that the 12 1/2 was still preferred by clients of Herreshoff as FANO was the only one built. I've sailed the GE, 12 1/2, and the Ty - The GE is faster due to longer WL and SA and more responsive - but a bit wetter and not as kindly a motion as the Ty. The Ty and the 12 1/2 actually sail very similarly IMO - and both have similar numbers. I believe Alberg was trying to do just that with the Ty. It's interesting to note the current "Herreshoff Designs, Inc." owned by Halsey Herreshoff has put a near exact copy (cold molded wood) version of FANO into production as the Herreshoff 20.

H-12 1/2 Golden Eye Typhoon H-20
15’ 10” 18’ 3” 18’ 6” 19’ 10”
12’ 6” 15’ 10” 13’ 11” 17’
5’ 10” 6’ 4” 6’ 3” 6’ 10”
2’ 6” 3’ 2’ 7” 3’ 1”
140 193 155 212
1500 (735 Lead) 2500 (1320 lead) 2000 (900 Lead) 2950 (1625 Lead)


Hull Speed SA/D Ratio D/L Ratio Ballast/Displ Ratio MotionComfort CapsizeScreening

H-20 (Fano) 5.5 16.5 268.1 55.1 23.1 1.7
Golden Eye (Fano) 5.2 16.8 324.2 52.8 20.2 1.9
Typhoon 4.9 15.6 362.9 45.0 18.7 1.9
12-1/2 Footer 4.7 17.1 342.9 50.0 16.6 2.0

[casampson]

What do you mean when you say, "not as kindly a motion as the Ty?"

[Adam]

I probably shouldn’t have used that term – it’s a bit antiquated for describing a boat that is predictable and slower in her motions. The Ty is a bit underpowered for her weight/WL, and with fuller bow sections she stands up to a blow – doesn’t really hobby horse (for a boat her size) but doesn’t really cut through a chop either. The Herreshoff has a much more plum bow with typical herreshoff spoon narrow entry forward sections. Her rig is also fairly powerful to her weight/WL. While she was designed as a “boy’s boat” (trainer) Herreshoff was keenly aware of performance sailing in her design. The Ty to me is more comfortable in heavy air’s overall – a safe cruising day sailor – and has a bit slower and predictable motion. My opinion of course, others may think otherwise.

[Bob Ohler]

Adam, that was an amazing report. You are definitely an expert on these boats!

[Skeep]

Adam, you took the words right out of my mouth. I like the choice of descriptors! That is the Typhoon I am currently enjoying.