Luxury Yachts: Embracing the Nordic Roots with the Folkboat Model
The Nordic Folkboat, a classic yacht originally designed in Sweden in 1942, has been hailed as the "world's coolest yacht" by boatbuilder, sailor, and writer Leo Goolden. Goolden, a specialist in wooden boats from Bristol, UK, restored the 1910 gaff cutter Tally Ho over seven years, a process documented on his popular YouTube channel.
The Nordic Folkboat's origins trace back to a design competition organised by the Royal Swedish Sailing Association in 1941. The goal was to create an affordable, robust, and easily handled keelboat suitable for the challenging Nordic waters. Swedish naval architect Tord Sundén synthesised ideas from several submissions to develop the winning design, with the first prototype launched in Sweden in 1942.
Rapidly popularised, production soon spread to Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom, establishing the Folkboat as a mainstay in Northern European yachting by the 1950s. Its clinker-built wooden hull, full-length keel, and moderate sail plan were instrumental in its reputation for both offshore racing and cruising. Today, the Folkboat remains a celebrated design among classic yacht enthusiasts and competitive sailors alike.
The Folkboat's unique features include its clinker-built construction, full-length keel, moderate sail area, iconic lines, active class association, community, and legacy. The clinker-built hull, made from overlapping wooden planks, contributes to its lightweight strength and classic appearance. The full-length keel provides excellent directional stability and tracking, making the boat forgiving in rough conditions. Its moderate sail area allows for easy handling, even single-handed, while remaining competitive under a variety of conditions.
The Folkboat's elegant, understated design is instantly recognisable and prized for its blend of aesthetics and functionality. The active class association, with regular races and events, particularly in Northern Europe, including the popular Folkboat Week in the UK, reflects the boat's enduring appeal. The community surrounding the Folkboat is passionate and enduring, with many sailors considering it an ideal "starter" classic yacht due to its combination of simplicity, durability, and performance.
More than 4,000 Folkboats have been built since their design in 1942, and they can be bought cheaply in various states of repair. The boats excel at leisurely sailing, racing, and ocean voyaging, making them versatile choices for sailors. The Nordic Folkboat's top speed is 6 knots, and its length overall (LOA) is 7.68m/25ft 3in.
Before restoring Tally Ho, Goolden sailed his Folkboat to Antigua solo. Despite encountering rot in the planks and losing a chainplate in the first blow, Goolden's experience with a Nordic Folkboat instilled in him a deep appreciation for the boat's simplicity and seaworthiness. Even after moving on to bigger boats, Goolden still misses the charm of the Nordic Folkboat.
In conclusion, the Nordic Folkboat's blend of historical significance, seaworthy design, and vibrant modern-day community make it a compelling choice for sailors seeking a cool classic—one that performs as well as it endures. Its enduring appeal—over 80 years after its creation—speaks to a design that is not just historic, but eminently practical and beloved by sailors who value tradition, simplicity, and seaworthiness.
The next generation of the Folkboat enthusiast might find their home and lifestyle revolving around this beloved yacht, as it offers versatility for both leisurely sailing and competitive racing. With the option to purchase an existing vessel or build one from its classic home-and-garden design plans, the Nordic Folkboat provides an opportunity to connect with a rich maritime history and become part of a community that cherishes tradition and shared passions.
