Some yachts are hard to research. There was obviously an
original Robber, and this was most probably designed by Peter Ståhle, a Swede, in 1975. I understand she was called AFIK. I
imagine she was a multi-chined plywood boat. I’ve not been able to find
anything about Robber 11, but I assume she was in GRP. Robber 3E was a modified
version designed by Stuart Jardine. Apparently she has a similar underwater
profile, but with less sheer and a narrower transom (by two feet), to gain
extra sail area for racing under the IOR. It is also said that Bernt Lingquist
designed a Robber 3E.
I read in
one of the forums that two Robber 3Es were built by Thames Marine in 1979, and
one of them was exhibited that year at the London Boat Show. Prior to that in 1977, Bebs Marine at Burnham-on-Crouch
built a number of them.
Establishing
the 3Es exact specifications is not easy, because various sources come up with
different measurements, but roughly they are just under 25’ LOA and they have a
beam of approximately 10’. The fin keel gives them a draught of about 5’. Some
were fitted with 6 berths in 2 cabins.
I remember
racing in the same race as a Robber on the River Crouch at Brandy Hole when the
wind was gusting. She broached badly and her mast snapped at the spreaders.
However, one thing I can vouch, she was by far the fastest boat in the handicap
fleet.
Sorting fact
from fiction has not been easy. If you can come up with any relevant facts, I
would appreciate your input.
Links
Robber 3E Register
Download Robber 3E Specs
Robber 3E Sailboat Data.com
Medway Reefer – Robber ¼ ton Sailing out of the Medway
Gybe to Gybe
Reefer 6 Knots
Robin Reefer Wednesday Medway
Boat Design Robber 3E Forum
Robber 3E Sold
Yachts Designed by Bernt Lingquist
Hi Bill,
ReplyDeleteA group of us now have a number of Robber 3's and 3E's at North Fambridge and race them in the Fambridge Yacht Havens winter series.
You are welcome to come and have a look any time.
Regards
Gary