Ramrod

The "Ramrod" was built as an "Ocean Racer" and has a respectable track record. From 1959, when she was one of three yachts in the winning Admirals Cup team, until 1966 when she won the Nab Tower Race in Cowes. Since 1966 she has been used as a fast sailing yacht. For a cruise from Bermuda, via the Azores to Hamble, she took 21 sailing days.

In 1954 Arthur Robb built the cutter "Uomie" for Selwyn Slater, one of the owners of the "Ramrod". The ship received a unique award in three of the “Premier Ocean Races” - Fastnet, Bermuda, Sydney - Hobart. She had a reputation for being the most manageable boat. Her balance and docility in all circumstances were a revelation to all who sailed with her.

Arthur Robb denied that "Ramrod" is an enlarged version of "Uomie", but he probably wouldn't have minded that she was described as a further development of "Uomie". The ratio and shape of "Ramrod" are related to the earlier smaller yacht and she has inherited not only her beautiful lines but also her speed, as Ramrod's race record in 1959 shows.

She is a narrow ship, with fore and aft lines that swing through the nave. The lines are powerful yet closely related. It is a shape that seems to simplify the hull balance problems and, if implemented successfully, appears to be able to produce the highest handling characteristics. Arthur Robb yachts usually have unusual airy lines, in "Ramrod" the air is especially tangible. The short stern with a deep bow makes her look like a powerful and strong yacht. Especially when she is watched from side to side while sailing. The rig is mediocre in all respects, with a 2 ½: 1 luff-to-bottom ratio of the mainsail and mast at almost 40% of the waterline from the bow. It is interesting to see that the roof is interrupted at the mast.