One Design sailing
In One Design races, all the boats are technically identical. This means that the race is a true test of the sailing ability of the crew and the fastest boat is not simply the one with the latest improvements and advantages.
This way races can be run where everyone starts at the same time and the winner is simply the first over the finishing line. This is much more satisfactory and fun than handicap races where the boats either start in a staggered order (pursuit races) or their finishing times have to be adjusted after the race is finished to work out who won.
Conway One Design Class Association
The COD Class is a “closed” class. This means that there is no plan to introduce technical improvements, in fact this is actively discouraged. Some changes have had to be accepted since the original 1928 design due to the availability of materials for example.
The Class is defined by a technical specification, architects drawings and rules and these are controlled by the COD Class Association.
In comparison to some One Design classes the COD Class is relatively relaxed – we are only a small fleet in a single sailing club after all – however, despite nearly 100 years since the first was built, it is often the case that the boats finish within seconds of each other after a race of several hours.
While there are certainly differences between the boats, the small technical difference this may give to a boat is small compared to the difference of good tactical sailing in our very tidal waters with interesting wind conditions.
How can I get involved with the CODs?
- Taster Sessions: Come for a taster sail with an experienced skipper on one of our vintage racing keelboats.
- Regular Crew: If you have some experience and can commit to regular sailing during the season we would like to hear from you.
- Skipper for a season: If you are a confident sailor (e.g. RYA day skipper or equivalent) you could take one of the COD Centenary Project CODs. (See below).
- Buy a COD: If you have fallen in love with these little boats, one of them could be your very own.
- Restore a COD: Interested in a project which can fill many happy hours? We know just the boat for you.
- Build your own COD: Full designs are available, for a small fee, if you happen to be a skilled shipwright with your own boat yard.
- Commission a new COD to be built for you: A new wooden hulled COD will take about 6 months to build and cost less than a new Land Rover Defender.
CODs For Sale
| Sail number | Name | Last sailing | Price |
| 12 | Musetta | 2021 | £7,500 |
| 1 | Seiriol | 2024 | £7,500 |
| 18 | Sŵn y Don | 2023 | SOLD |
| 10 | Margaret II | 2023 | £5,500 ono |
| 15 | Mercury | 2024 | SOLD |
The Conway One Design Centenary Project
During the Centenary year of the Conway Yacht Club (2010), the sixteen original wooden boats endured, but some had fallen into a state of disrepair, with a few being in imminent danger of total loss.
A group of Conway Yacht Club members formed an independent private trust, The COD Centenary Project Trust, to acquire and restore these special boats.
The Trust is funded mostly by private donations, including a voluntary donation from the Conway Yacht Club members, and grants from Conwy Town Council, in view of the heritage value of these old boats.
- COD no. 4 Kandahar
- COD no. 5 Cymba
- COD no. 6 Kathleen
- COD no. 7 Blue Bird
- COD no. 8 Gwalch
Learn more about the restoration of COD Number 8 Gwalch in the COD Blog
Two restored CODs have been sold to private owners and three are still owned by the Trust and are available for a season, for a donation to the Trust, to cover berthing fees, insurance and maintenance.
As of 2025, 14 CODs are in seaworthy condition.
The fleet has been a colourful part of the Conwy Estuary for over 80 years and dedicated owners and the Centenary Project have ensured the fleets survival.
