Ian Proctor

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Ian Proctor (1918-1992) was a prolific designer of both sailing dinghies and cruisers. His pioneering aluminium mast designs also revolutionised the sport of sailing.

Proctor had more than 100 designs to his credit, from which 65,000 boats were built. Some of his designs are listed below.

Contents 1 Ian Proctor Designs 2 Dinghy Designer 3 Yacht Designer 4 Mast Designer 5 External links 6 References

[edit] Ian Proctor Designs

• Seagull Commissioned by Bell Woodworking
• Seamew Commissioned by Bell Woodworking
• Prelude Commissioned by Rydgeway Marine
• Pirate Commissioned by Rydgeway Marine
• Nimrod Commissioned by Westerly
• Wayfarer
• Wanderer
• Topper
• SigneT

[edit] Dinghy Designer

It was in 1950 that Ian Proctor fist began to design dinghies professionally, National 12s initially followed soon after by Merlin Rockets. Proctors designs were met with immediate success winning many championships from 1950-1952. Then in 1958 Proctor penned the evergreen Wayfarer which soon became a hit with sailing schools. The Wayfarer has a solid following in both racing and cruising circles. Indeed a Wayfarer was sailed from the UK to Norway and Iceland by Frank Dye, that same boat is now on display at the UK Maritime Museum today.

The most widely-known of all Ian Proctor designs has to be the Topper of which more than 35,000 have been produced to date. This was the first sailing dinghy to be produced from injection moulded plastic. The Topper is used for generally for training, but also like the Wanderer has an enthusiastic racing following.

[edit] Yacht Designer

Although better known for his dinghy designs and metal masts, Ian Proctor was also responsible for the design of several small cruisers. His first cruiser was the Seagull for Bell Woodworking, followed shortly afterwards by the Seamew. Later on there was the Nimrod, Eclipse, Pirate, and the Prelude.

[edit] Mast Designer

In 1953 Ian Proctors 'Cirrus' had an all metal mast. Proctor quickly realised the potential of metal masts and in 1953 he designed the first all-metal tapered and extruded mast for sailing dinghies. Then in 1955 he established 'Ian Proctor Metal Masts Limited' as a commercial venture. Proctor Masts soon became the leading metal mast producers for all types of sailing craft. Indeed by 1960, 13 different countries were using Proctor masts in the Olympics and the 1987 Americas cup featured 12 boats using Proctor masts.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

• Frank Dye, Ocean-crossing Wayfarer, David and Charles (1977), ISBN 0-7153-7371-4.