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The Noelex 22 Trailer
Yacht History
The twenty-two foot Noelex trailer yacht evolved from an eighteen
footer built to the ideas of Dr. Noel Honey. The design concept
attracted Alex Trethewey and together they developed the original
Noelex [Noel and Alex] and have continued to be involved in the growth
of the design,from boats intended for their own purposes, into a class
now sailed and enjoyed throughout the country.
The class soon established itself in Christchurch as particularly
suited to Lyttelton conditions and from there it spread to the southern
centres. It first made an impact on the national trailer yachting scene
in the 1974 National Trailer Yachting Championships when a Noelex 22
took the Open Title against a number of established stock designs. By
the 1975 championships the Noelex 22 class mustered the largest fleet
of any single design and sailed for their own National Championship and
Handicap trophies,the former being donated by co-designer Alex
Trethewey and won by his original Noelex 22.
There are many features which account for the popularity of the class.
Clearly, sailing ability has been established by their racing record
against trailer yachts of similar size, but primarily the design is
intended as a family day sailer and restricted cruiser. To this end,
the sail and rigging plans are simple, being based on the "Flying
Dutchman" with a light, easily raised mast and single sidestays. The
relatively small sail area allows the crew to handle the sheets without
winches and its general simplicity permits the racing enthusiast to
tune his or her boat without the expense of "go-fast" gadgetry and
expensive sail wardrobes. As might be expected from their development
in southern waters and the flexible dinghy type rig,these boats stand
up well to being driven hard under full sail in fresh conditions,
showing particular windward ability in choppy seas. Roller reefing may
be fitted but as the boats sail well on either the jib or main, sail
reduction is usually effected by dropping the sail.
The light, easily driven hull is readily launched and retrieved from a
simple trailer which does not require tandem wheels or brakes and the
overall weight is well within the towing capabilities of the average
six cylinder car. The ballasted centreplate and low centre of gravity
makes the Noelex 22 very stable. Boats have recovered from a knockdown
with the plate retracted and the absence of a stub keel allows the
yachts to be beached without heeling.
Auxiliary power may be provided by a 6 hp or larger outboard motor and
the outboard well is particularly practical in operation.The cockpit
provides room for day sailing and two cabin options are available, the
traditional stepped coach-roof or a roomier "straight through" line.
Interior layout is adapted by the owner to his own requirements.
An owners association was formed as soon as the class became
established and took over the administration of the class through the
sale of plans,registration of boats and the setting up of class rules
and restrictions.Initially,considerable latitude was allowed for
individual adaptation of the design but it is now evident that if the
boats are to keep the essence of simplicity, reasonable price
limits,resale value and keen competition, then the controls must be
tightened. To this end the Noelex 22 Trailer Yacht Association has
formalised its constitution, revised the rules and restriction, and re
drafted and metricated the measurement drawings. Sets of official
templates have been prepared.
For the protection of their own investment,owners of boats which comply
with these regulations are urged to register with the Association, who
will issue a numbered medallion to be affixed permanently to the yacht.
The parent Association in Christchurch wishes to encourage the
establishment of sub associations at other centres to provide better
communications and to assist in fostering the interests of a design
which they believe offers safety with outstanding value in terms of
comparable established classes currently available in New Zealand.
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