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| Development | |
|---|---|
| Year | 1954 |
| Boat | |
| Crew | 2 |
| Draft | 1,270 mm (4 ft 2 in) (foils down) 200 mm (8 in) (foils up) |
| Hull | |
| Hull weight | 109 kg (240 lb) |
| LOA | 4,570 mm (15 ft 0 in) |
| Beam | 1,550 mm (5 ft 1 in) |
| Sails | |
| Mainsail area | 8.36 m2 (90 sq ft) |
| Jib/genoa area | 3.25 m2 (35 sq ft) |
| Upwind sail area | 11.61 m2 (125 sq ft) |
| Racing | |
| D-PN | 90.3 |
| RYA PN | 1062 |
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The Albacore is a 4.57 m (15 ft) two-person planing dinghy with fractional sloop rig, for competitive racing and lake and near-inshore day sailing. Hulls are made of either wood or fiberglass. The basic shape was developed in 1954 from an Uffa Fox design, the Swordfish. Recent boats retain the same classic dimensions, and use modern materials and modern control systems.
A deep airfoil section centerboard and rudder make the Albacore highly maneuverable.[1] The Albacore's rig uses swept spreaders supporting a tapered mast, a powerful vang, and adjustable jib halyard and other sail controls to depower in high winds. This adjustability enables light crews and heavy crews to race head-to-head in all but the most extreme conditions. It does not have a trapeze or spinnaker, and hence avoids the difficult handling of sport boats. The powerful rig and easily driven hull give excellent performance over a wide range of wind and wave conditions.
The 2011 international champion described the Albacore as a boat that is simple to get into at first, but one that will challenge the tuning and tactical skills of a sailor for the rest of their life.[1] Recent champions have been graduates of college sailing teams.