January 2026  Runa

By Bert Q

Runa is a long-keeled yacht built according to the plans of naval architect Tom MacNaughton. Construction took approximately four years (2010-14).

However, Tom MacNaughton would not appreciate having this boat described as his own design, as he is very critical of even minor deviations from his original plans.

Let me briefly explain why: The "Farthing" model from the Coin Collection series, on which Runa is based, is a 15-foot ocean cruiser designed by him with such radical impact that the boat should -according to him- withstand even the most challenging conditions. This is done by internal steering of the rudder and sails, the absence of a cockpit, and a fully sealed, hinged hatch with a plexiglass dome. The foam filling of unused areas below the waterline makes the boat unsinkable, thus eliminating the need for a life raft.

I did not incorporate these features into my own build.

The decision to include a cockpit, albeit a small one, along with a tiller operated from there and a conventional sliding hatch, is dictated by the intended use – an ocean crossing with "Runa" was never my goal; rather, it was for sailing close to the coast.

A future owner can easily retrofit all the missing features. In consultation with the designer, I scaled the boat  by 10% bigger in all dimensions, resulting in dimensions of 5.02m x 1.80m x 1m. The scantlings were adjusted accordingly. The construction method used was the sheathed strip technique favored by the designer, and the pine strips of the outer hull are 14mm thick.

My guiding principle for building my own boat was that I didn't want to build and maintain a large vessel. With a project that's too ambitious, there's always the risk of it never being completed. What fascinated me about the Coin Collection series, from which the design of Runa originates, was the beauty of its lines, its functional construction, its suitability for single-handed sailing, and thus also the Junk rig already included in the plans. I opted for a split rig, as this allowed the mast to be positioned more centrally. The internal layout therefore also deviates from the original design – to starboard there’s a galley with a sink and folding table, 2 nice seats. Also there is a berth on both the port and starboard sides, instead of the planned V-berth.

With her minimal dimensions, Runa, as a long-keeled boat with a 45% ballast (lead) ratio and a 950kg empty weight, doesn't achieve high speeds, but she cuts through waves well and maintains speed even in the lightest winds, much to the surprise of those only familiar with Bermuda rigs. The sail is connected to the starboard side of the mast, which makes no difference in performance – I chose to do so because of the deck layout.

Due to the large overhangs and the boat´s small size, the sailor's weight distribution is crucial; concentrating in the middle of the boat is recommended, as sitting too far aft causes the stern to dip too deeply. Sailing with two people is possible, but one should sit in the open hatch (a flexible seating option is provided there). In force 4 winds, Runa sails like a dinghy (without the fear of capsize :-)), which is great fun. However, a crane is required to launch Runa.

With its practical, camping-style interior below deck, you can easily spend a pleasant week's holiday, provided you spend the nights in harbor, as there's no room for sanitary facilities on a boat this size. A bucket will have to suffice. An electric motor, installed this summer, is sufficient for harbor maneuvers. Runa has only been used in freshwater so far, essentially for just a few months since her first voyage in 2015. Runa's payload capacity is approximately 400 kg until she sits at the calculated waterline. This is important to know for those planning extended voyages.

Due to my age and because I'm giving up sailing, I'd like to sell Runa to a good home. Offers are welcome. Runa sits on a well-maintained 1300kg trailer, allowing her to explore even distant waters. 

Our "Boat of the Month" Archive is here, and the forum discussion for comments and candidate suggestions is here