Description
Overview of the Alden O 18 Sailboat
The Alden O 18 (also known as the Alden "O Class" or simply the Alden 18' O Boat) is a classic wooden one-design daysailer designed by the legendary American naval architect John G. Alden. Introduced in 1921–1922, it was created as a safe, versatile trainer and recreational boat for the choppy waters around Marblehead, Massachusetts. This fractional sloop features a round-bottomed hull with a centerboard for shallow-water access, generous freeboard, and a deep cockpit, making it stable and forgiving for beginners or families while offering responsive performance for club racing. The "O" designation likely refers to its class marking on sails, and it was optimized for day sailing in coastal conditions, emphasizing ease of handling over speed. Production was limited, with only about 20 examples of the initial Mk I version built before 1931, though a revised Mk II proved more popular. As a wooden boat, it's an "orphan" design today, with plans available for homebuilders or restorations, but surviving examples are rare and prized by classic boat enthusiasts.
