Sea Sprite 34
The Sea Sprite 34 is the largest of the Sea Sprite sailing vessels. It is also the last design by Alfred "Bill" Luders Jr. Built by the C. E. Ryder Company of Bristol RI, the SS34 was predominantly built in a 3/4 fractional sloop configuration. Though usually delivered as a completed sailboat, a few were sold in "kit" form in various states of completion for subsequent finishing by owner-builders. The last Hull (number 45) was produced in 1984. It was renamed Second Fiddle in 1989 and has been plying the waters of Lake Champlain since then.
The Sea Sprite 34 has classical lines and a full keel. She sails well even with a following Buzzards Bay chop. In a gale, partially reefed, she easily handles 10 foot seas in West Chop off Martha's Vineyard.
Typical interior layout accommodates 6. She is a good cruiser, though tankage and storage are not overly generous. Beamier, but similar to "Dove II", an Allied Luders 33, another Luders design, in which Robin Lee Graham completed his circumnavigation (he started when he was sixteen years old).
The Ryder company constructed them of fiberglass with an Airex core. The deck is through bolted to the hull. The 5000 pounds of lead ballast in enclosed within the 12000 pounds displacement hull. The water and fuel tanks are located below the sole, lowering the center of gravity.
Earlier models came with deck-stepped masts while later versions boast keel-stepped tapered spars and rigging manufactured by Hall Spars of America's Cup fame.
The Sea Sprite 34 is easily sailed and cares for her crew.