The first boats of this class of boat limited to 20ft. in overall length was introduced in 1906. These boats varied in width, form, and sail area, according to the whim on builder or designer. These boats all carried gaff-headed sail of from 450 to 600 square feet and had single center board and rudder. There was no restriction on ballast fixed or movable and the number of crew. The boats were commonly sailed by a crew of 6 to 8 men and up to 35 sandbags of 30 pounds each.
In 1914 a new fleet of 20-foot racing sneakboxes were launched by Island Heights and Seaside Park Yacht Clubs. That were designed by Charles Mower and were more nearly of the scow type with flat bottoms and lighter construction. These new boats were much easer to sail as no ballast was need. In 1924 the Sail was changed to a Marconi rig That gave the boats a fine balance, that made them a pleasure to sail instead of a physical endurance contest.
The 20ft. Sneakbox was the first fleet in the BBYRA Championship in 1914 and continued to race in the championship until 1927 when the qualification count dropped to zero.
From: Sailing Craft Edited by Edwin J. Schoettle
Article by: Orton G. Dale