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The LS10
combines one of the most successful offshore one-design boats in North
America and the newest thinking in deck and cabin layout.
The Original Tartan 10
was designed by Sparkman and Stephens and over 400 boats were built between
1978 and 1988. The T10 is consistently the largest class at the
N.O.O.D. regattas (37 boats in 1999 42 in 2000
and 48 boats in Chicago, and over 20 in Detroit). It is also hugely
successful in P.H.R.F events and continues to attract champions from classes
like the Star, Soling, Etchells, Lightning, Scows, Shields, and J-24’s.
In conjunction with Larsen Boats, Soca Sailboats built the LS 10 using the
identical T10 hull pulled from a North American Champion and improved the
deck and cabin layout while ensuring that any hardware or equipment that was
stipulated by strict one design rules was kept in the identical location.
Placement of jib tracks, chainplates and mast are all identical to the
original Tartan 10. All sailing hardware used on the new LS 10 is
interchangeable with the original T10.
As a result the LS10 after exhaustive testing has been sanctioned as class
legal and able to compete in the strict one design T10 fleets throughout
North America.
The advantage of buying a LS10 over an older T10, apart from the fact that
you get a brand new boat vs the newest T10 that was built in 1988, are the
creature comforts, improved functionality of the interior and redesigned
deck layout. The interior is vastly improved over the original with an
enclosed head and increased storage. The LS10 sleeps 6 people and was
designed as a short range cruiser and day sailor.
On deck safety and day sailing comfort is what a LS-10 is all about. While
many new boats have removed the toe rail, the LS-10's toe rail has been
redesigned for comfort while still providing a positive place for your foot
when the boat is heeled over. Many new boats have wide-open cockpits with
nothing to hold onto and brace yourself. If you slip while the boat is
heeled you can fall the width of the boat. The LS-10 has a cockpit larger
than many 40-foot boats, while sailing you can brace yourself on the
opposing seat for support. The new transom has a step and a handhold not
only for swimming, but also for safety. Allowing an overboard sailor back
aboard easily. There are two large drains in the cockpit so, if somehow a
wave were to crash into it, the cockpit will quickly drain. The LS-10 has
higher freeboard than most boats its size and this adds to the dryness of
the boat as well as adding headroom below.
Useful Links:
Sailnet Article
LS Boats
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