Description
The Beachcomber-Alpha Dory is a classic American racing and recreational dory designed by maritime historian and boatbuilder John Gardner in the early 1970s, detailed in his book The Dory Book (1978). Inspired by the late 1800s Marblehead, Massachusetts, dory racing tradition and the original Beachcomber Club dories built by William H. Chamberlain around 1903, it revives the Swampscott-style dory for modern use. The design features lapstrake (clinker-built) wooden construction, typically cedar planks on oak frames, making it suitable for one-design racing, daysailing, tandem rowing, or light coastal cruising in protected waters like bays or lakes. At 21 feet, it's optimized for short-handed crews (1–3 people) with a fractional sloop rig, centerboard for lift, and versatility for sailing, rowing, or small outboard power. It's not a blue water vessel but excels in regattas (e.g., Swampscott River Race) or family outings, with planning speeds up to 10+ knots in moderate winds. Active fleets exist in New England, and modern builds may incorporate plywood/epoxy for easier construction.
