Racing class boats. All different sizes($$) were designed mostly for yacht clubs and other enthusiastic racing groups. These boats were(and some still are) raced a few times a week during the clubs summer season. This still goes on today and a few of the popular classes, even from early 1900's, still survive.

But this class, Buzzards Bay 18 was never huge and no known class racing goes on today. I'm speculating but this looks like an extreme(in it's day) racer that not only would have been an expensive class(those have never ended and go on today), it would have also appealed only to very experienced sailors looking for high performance at any cost.

That begs the question, who wants a class design where no class exists? It could be partly the desire for nimble quick racing boat for daysailing? But more likely, it's new owners intent is to race. There are a growing number of races for classic wooden boats and even phrf that some of these boats will be owned primarily to use.

My wild guess is 99% of active class designs are professionally maintained and stored in sheds over the winter. As far as brightwork, it's easier(and cheaper) in the long run for pros to keep brightwork looking like this one. These old boats are "new" each spring as they get a new coating on everything, even topsides.

Here are a few Dark Harbor 20's in a shed on 700 Acre island I saw the other day. This is still a very active class. These boats are terrific racers today. Not only are they exciting performers(you should see them slice to windward!), they're good all around boats with ample cockpits that even old timers can enjoy, as well as kids.

These 3 didn't get launched. Probably waiting for the next generation that can afford to race them. They will come, and DH20s will still be around.