Spirit Yachts has been commissioned to build a contemporary version of a Q Class yacht.
The yacht builder was selected as the build yard alongside Dykstra Naval Architects owner.
Also known as a ‘mini J Class’, Q Class yachts were first built to the Universal Rule of Measurement in the early 1900s.
Development of the rule was led by naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff and adopted by the New York Yacht Club in 1903 to determine entry criteria for the America’s Cup and facilitate competitive racing.
At least 16 Q Class boats were built in the 1920s and 30s, some of which can be seen racing today.
Spirit’s current project – The Falcon Study’ – is commissioned by the owner and founder of Q7 Yacht Designs, Peter Silvester, who owns an original Q Class yacht, Falcon.
Craftsmanship
“The ‘Falcon Study’ is a unique partnership of world-class industry leaders set up to honour the history and legacy of Falcon and to celebrate her centenary with a new commission launching in 2026,” said Peter. “The ‘Falcon Study’ will re-imagine Falcon’s original design using the best systems, materials, and craftsmanship available today.”
He added: “Imagine taking the beauty, sailing pleasure, and race winning pedigree of an original Q Class like Falcon and refining her to deliver optimum performance combined with modern maintenance characteristics and ease of use.”
Dykstra Naval Architects were appointed to adapt Falcon’s original Burgess, Swasey and Paine line drawings for modern day sailing and contemporary manufacture.
“We love to focus on projects that make our hearts beat faster and the Falcon Study is certainly one of those,” said Thys Nikkels, CEO Dykstra Naval Architects.
“To be able to be part of a team that creates a new, re-imagined version of a Q Class Yacht is time well spent.”
The project is in the final design stages with the build due to start this spring leading up to launch in 2026 to coincide with Falcon’s centenary anniversary.
The yacht will be named ‘Q7 Victoria’ / the ‘Victoria commission’.
