W-Class Yachts: Revival of One-Design, Spirit-of-Tradition Sailing

If you have spent time in Newport, Rhode Island, or attended any of the world’s classic yacht regattas, you have likely seen the striking W-Class sailing yachts. These boats combine the grace of traditional yacht lines with modern construction and performance, and they were conceived to restore close, fair one-design racing where the best crew and tactics win.

The W-Class story began in 1997 when Boston real estate developer and lifelong sailor Donald Tofias approached designer Joel White of Brooklin Boatyard in Maine with a clear brief: build identical boats with identical equipment so that races would be pure tests of seamanship. Tofias’s aim was to revive one-design match racing and the spirit of tradition yachting—boats that look timeless but perform with modern reliability.

“The vision that propelled me to develop these inspiring vessels was the ideal to compete in big, identical boats with identical equipment so that at the end of an exciting, close, competitive race, the best sailor wins. This is boat-on-boat, crew-on-crew competition,” Tofias has said, and that guiding principle remains central to every W-Class yacht.

Designs and Construction

W-Class designs are available in multiple sizes to suit different types of racing and cruising: 22, 37, 46, 76 and 100 feet. Each model retains the traditional aesthetic of classic yachts while incorporating contemporary materials and systems. The hulls are cold-molded, a method that blends craftsmanship with structural efficiency, and the rigs feature modern, efficient sail handling systems with carbon fiber masts to reduce weight aloft and improve performance. The first W-22, Filly, has been launched, with a second W-22, Colt, following in the program.

Racing, Charters and the Owner Community

Private owners of W-46s actively campaign in regional regattas across New England, where the boats are well suited to coastal racing and match-race formats. The larger W-76s—Wild Horses and White Wings—are campaigned internationally and have appeared in regattas around the world. Both of these yachts are also available for charter and day sails, making them popular choices for sailors who want the experience of a classic-style yacht with modern sailing systems. Newport remains a focal point for many W-Class events and for visitors seeking an authentic day-sail experience aboard these beautiful boats.

Personal Reflections and Memorable Moments

First memory of being on a boat: Sailing in an old catboat on Buzzards Bay at age five.

First boat owned: An Alcort Super Sailfish purchased at age 12 with personal savings.

Last or current boat: The recently launched W-22, Filly, with plans to continue expanding the fleet.

Favorite boat ever owned: “Whatever boat I’m on,” a sentiment that reflects a life spent afloat—“my day at the office is always on a boat.”

Dream boat: The W-100, a larger design developed in recent years that embodies the W-Class concept on a grander scale.

Most rewarding professional experience: Creating and managing the W-Class Yacht Company since 1996 and watching the concept grow into an active fleet with enthusiastic owners and crews.

Scariest adventure aboard: Chartering the J-Class yacht Shamrock V in the early 1990s when the yacht’s engineer suffered a severe hand injury at the start of a race. The injured crewman was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital where an expert surgeon was able to reattach the finger.

Most memorable experience aboard: Participating in the America’s Cup Jubilee at Cowes in 2001, highlighted by a round-Isle-of-Wight race held 150 years plus one day after the original historic race—an emotional and historic sailing occasion.

Longest time spent aboard: Extended cruises with the W-76s Wild Horses and White Wings in the western Mediterranean, including long stretches in June and again in late summer and early fall.

Favorite destination: Wherever the boat is at the moment, with a special affection for returning home into Newport harbor.

Favorite nautical book: First You Have to Row a Little Boat by Richard Bode.

Favorite nautical cause and why: Sail Newport. The organization runs extensive youth sailing programs and organizes numerous local, national and international regattas while managing a significant piece of Newport harbor frontage—an unusually prominent role for a not-for-profit sailing organization.

Favorite quote about the sea: “Yachting is the winner!” A trademarked slogan that captures the joy of participation: the aim is to enjoy competing and sailing, regardless of the outcome.

This article originally appeared in the September 2015 issue.