Dating back to the 1950s, this distinctive New Zealand-designed skiff represents one of sailing's most exhilarating single-handed racing classes. Originally conceived by John Spencer, the Cherub quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to small boat performance, featuring an unusually wide beam and lightweight construction that was revolutionary for its era. Built for pure speed and excitement, these boats demand skilled handling and reward aggressive sailing techniques. The design's emphasis on planing performance and responsiveness makes it ideally suited for competitive racing in protected waters, where crews can fully exploit the boat's impressive power-to-weight ratio. The Cherub's reputation for providing thrilling rides has made it a favorite among sailors seeking an adrenaline-fueled racing experience. While primarily designed for single-handed racing, the boat's challenging nature means it's best suited for experienced sailors who appreciate technical sailing and aren't intimidated by a craft that requires constant attention and quick reflexes. The class maintains an active racing circuit, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where enthusiasts continue to push these nimble craft to their impressive limits on inland lakes and protected coastal waters.
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What is the Cherub's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cherub has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 94.12. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cherub's comfort ratio?
The Cherub has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 1.45. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cherub safe for offshore sailing?
The Cherub has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 4.94. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cherub?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cherub is 4.31 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cherub weigh?
The Cherub has a displacement of 110.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 12.16 ft.
Who designed the Cherub?
The Cherub was designed by Development Clas, first built in 1951.