Frustrated by the limitations of his bilge keel yacht on Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne sailor Geoffrey Walsh sought a boat that combined shallow draft, manageable rigging, an outboard auxiliary, and comfortable accommodation capable of handling rough, choppy bay waters. He commissioned British designer Robert Tucker to create the Matilda, a 19-foot trailer sailer tailored to these needs, which was then slightly modified and constructed by local builders Benson and Shaw. After debuting to high interest at the Melbourne Boat Show, the boat proved remarkable for its deceptive internal volume, housing four bunks, a dedicated toilet, and a compact galley despite a 5-foot-4-inch cockpit.

Structurally, the Matilda features a 1/4-inch marine plywood hull reinforced with a laminated keel and three bulkheads. Its design centers around a heavy, 215-pound ballasted centerplate that retracts into a full-height casing, doubling as hull stiffening and mast support. On deck, the layout is practical and spacious: the wide cockpit comfortably seats six adults and drains self-sufficiently, while a short bowsprit keeps the foredeck open for easy anchoring. The 3/4 sloop rig utilizes lightweight aluminum spars and quick-release stay fittings, allowing for rapid setup in under ten minutes, though tight luff tensioning remains a minor challenge.

During sea trials across varied conditions, ranging from dead calms to 20-knot squalls, the Matilda demonstrated excellent performance and exceptional stability. Initial lee helm issues were resolved by fine-tuning the rudder and mast rake. Under power with a 6-hp outboard, and under sail, the vessel handled smoothly with clean sightlines from the helm. Even when pushed on a reach under heavy wind, her wide beam and weighted centerplate prevented excessive leaning, making her a forgiving vessel ideal for beginner sailors or family outings.

The build quality on the prototype earned praise, with a polyurethane gloss finish so smooth it was easily mistaken for fiberglass. Designed to cater to a broad range of budgets, the Matilda is offered either fully built for around $2,300 or in various stages of completion for DIY enthusiasts, complete with plans available for home builders. With strong initial sales and an active owners’ association already established, the Matilda stands out as a smart, versatile, and economical family cruiser (Pays, 1969: 44-47).

FACT BOX

• MODEL: Matilda Trailer Sailer.

• DESIGNER: Robert Tucker, Enfield, UK.

• BUILDER: Benson and Shaw, Wells Road, Mordialloc, Vic, 3195.

• LOA: 18 ft 10 in.

• LWL: 16 ft 4 in.

• BEAM: 7 ft 10 in.

• DRAFT: 0 ft 8 in., plate up; 4 ft 2 in., plate down.

• WEIGHT: 1400 lb approx.

• CENTREPLATE: 215 lb.

• CABIN HEADROOM: 4 ft 3 in.

• COCKPIT: 5 ft 4 in. x 3 ft 4 in.

• BERTHS: 4.

• MAST HEIGHT: 22 ft.

• SAIL AREA: Mainsail 105 sq ft, Jib 75 sq ft, Spinnaker 236 sq ft.

Source: Pays, Tony (1969) ‘Big! Big! Trailer Sailer’ Seacraft, February 1969, pp. 44-47.

Historical photograph reproduced for identification and historical research purposes. Copyright remains with the original rights holder.

Quick tip: Keep in mind that trailer sailers can vary quite a bit, even within the same class. Take the RL28, for example: they might not all have outboard wells as designed. Some originally may have had inboard engines, and when those were removed, the owners swapped them for a standard outboard mounted on the stern.