The Americans have shown it. On the other side of the pond, boat builders were the first to experiment with the artificial material in the early 1950s. A little later, resourceful people did it in Europnach. However, around ten years had to pass before the first GRP series production started. The beginning of a new field of sailing.
Despite all the prophecies of doom at the beginning, many boats from the early years of GRP boat building are still under sail. Quite a few of them even have what it takes to become classics. Just think of types like Dufour Arpege, Albin Ballad, Hallberg-Rassy Monsun 31, Fähnrich, Königskreuzer, Variant or Swan 48.
But what is the secret of these boats? Why did they just survive while countless other models disappeared over the years as quickly as they were produced?
We are investigating these and other questions. An overview of the GFK classic scene, so that one can already speak of one. In addition, an outline of the history of the most successful GRP shipyards, the most imaginative designers, the most beautiful models. And a reference to the first large GRP classic meeting on the German coast.
All of this can be found in the new YACHT (issue 17/06, from now on in newsagents).