Ian Proctor

Ian Douglas Ben Proctor (12 July 1918 – 23 July 1992) His pioneering aluminium mast designs also revolutionised the sport of sailing. He was educated at Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk. After leaving school, he studied at the University of London.

Career

Early career From 1942 to 1946, during World War II, Proctor was a Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

The most widely known of all Ian Proctor designs has to be the Topper of which more than 46,000 have been produced to date. This was the first sailing dinghy to be produced from injection moulded plastic; a system which cost a million pounds to set up and was the largest single mold at the time. The first boats however were built from glassfibre (GRP). There is a large topper racing circuit in the UK and also like the Wayfarer has an enthusiastic racing following.

Yacht designer Although better known for his dinghy designs and aluminium masts, Ian Proctor was also responsible for the design of several small cruisers. His first cruiser was the Seagull for Bell Woodworking, followed shortly afterwards by the Seamew. Later on there was the Nimrod, Eclipse, Pirate, and the Prelude.

Mast designer In 1953 Ian Proctor's 'Cirrus' had an all-metal mast. Proctor quickly realised the potential of metal masts and in 1953 he designed the first all-metal tapered and extruded mast for sailing dinghies. Then in 1955 he established 'Ian Proctor Metal Masts Limited' as a commercial venture. Proctor Masts soon became the leading metal mast producers for all types of sailing craft. Indeed, by 1960, 13 different countries were using Proctor masts in the Olympics and the 1987 America's Cup featured 12 boats using Proctor masts.

Proctor Masts eventually became part of the Seldén group, and now trade as Seldén masts.

Writing Proctor wrote extensively about sailing. As well as his earlier stint as joint editor of Yachtsman Magazine, he was, from 1950 to 1964, the yachting correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. Blue Peter Bosun CL 16 Gull Jiffy beginners lateen rig Kestrel, the first dinghy designed to be built in glass fibre. Leprechaun, Built by Thomas Thompson of Carlow and adopted by Blessington Sailing Club. (About 10 boats built.) Marlin Merlin Rocket (not the only designer as the Merlin Rocket is a development class) Minisail Eclipse, commissioned by Newbridge Yachts. National 18 (1968) Nimrod, commissioned by Westerly Osprey, raced as a One-Design class and despite the cosmetic improvements that have occurred since the designs inception, older boats can still (and often do) compete at the top end of the fleet. Pirate, commissioned by Rydgeway Marine Prelude, commissioned by Rydgeway Marine Seagull, commissioned by Bell Woodworking Seamew, commissioned by Bell Woodworking SigneT Tempest Topper Wanderer Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts Yachtsman of the Year, 1965. Unusually awarded for his work as a designer rather as a noted yachtsman. Council of Industrial Design Award, 1967 Design Council Awards, 1977, 1980