The
Thunderbird
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The
Thunderbird Photo: International Thunderbird Association |
Although relatively rare in Australia the Thunderbird is a relatively popular one-design class. Originally designed in cardboard, the Thunderbird design was a relatively radical boat at the time.
The Thunderbird has a heavy symmetrical hydrofoil keel that makes up nearly half its total weight, hard chines and a relatively lightweight hull.
Being a Canadian design it should come as no surprise that the bulk of the Thunderbird Fleet is located in the United States and Canada. There are however, small fleets in Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Thunderbird Specifications
| Overall Length | 7.89 m. |
| Beam | 2.30 m. |
| Displacement | 1656 kg |
| Ballast | 694 kg. |
| Draft | 1.46 m. |
| Mast Height | 11.54 m. |
| Construction | Marine Plywood (Fiberglass common in Australia) |
Thunderbird History
| 1958 | Designed by Ben Seaborn |
| 1960 | International Class Association Formed |
| 1961 | The Thunderbird first sailed in Sydney |
The Thunderbird Online
| Web Pages: | International Association |
| VIC Fleet | |
| WA Fleet |
