Fractional Sloop · Centerboard Dinghy · First built 1928
A high-performance development racing dinghy that has served as a testing ground for innovations like the trapeze since 1928
LOA
Beam
Displacement
Hull type
Centerboard Dinghy
Is it for you?
Character
Where this design lands on the numbers a shopper trusts — read straight from her own ratios.
TrailerableBeam 1.83 m — inside the 2.55 m no-permit tow width across most of Europe, and the 2.59 m US and Canadian limit. About 74 kg of hull, so roughly 650 kg on a trailer: check that against your own towing rating.Ramp-launchableAbout 74 kg of hull, with a keel that raises or a draught shallow enough to float off a trailer — she can go back on the trailer at the ramp, not only into the water.
LivelySea-kindly
Her light displacement on a beamy beam gives 2 — a quick, lively motion that feels every wave.
Comfort ratio 2
CoastalBluewater
At 4.39 she sits above the 2.0 line — beamy for her weight, and happiest coastal.
Capsize screening 4.39
LightHeavy
27 — light for her waterline, so she is easily driven and quick to accelerate.
Displacement / length 27
Light and lively — happiest day-sailing and coastal-hopping in settled weather.
The record
Full specifications
The complete reference set — tap any figure to switch between metric and imperial.
Dimensions
Weights
Rig & sail area
Rig
Fractional Sloop
Ratios
Displacement / length
26.7
Comfort ratio
1.7
Capsize screening
4.39
Hull speed
5.0 kn
Pounds / inch immersion
300
Hull
Hull type
Centerboard Dinghy
Construction
All materials allowed
Production
Years built
First built 1928
Builder
Ovington Boats Ltd
Boats like this, on the water
Nobody has filmed this one — but these are close.
Comparable boats the fleet has on camera: same type, within a quarter of her length. Open the boat, or watch the video — a timestamp means she only appears in passing.
Several Under License 29er4.40 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA high-performance skiff designed by Julian Bethwaite, featuring a powerful fractional rig for competitive racing
Spindrift 134.06 mSame hull family0.2 m shorterA Hubert Vandestadt-designed centerboard dinghy with a high sail-area-to-displacement ratio for lively, responsive sailing
Alcort Sunfish4.24 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthWith a high sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 47.02, this nimble 4.24-metre dinghy remains a benchmark for simple
Ilca 7 (Laser-International)4.23 mSame hull familyNear-identical lengthA Bruce Kirby-designed Olympic class dinghy featuring a simple unstayed cat rig and a lightweight, high-performance hull
McDougall Waszp3.35 mSame hull family0.9 m shorterA one-design foiling dinghy featuring wings and an unstayed rig, built in the thousands for high-performance racing
MacKay Boats Ltd. 49erfx4.88 mSame hull family0.6 m longerA high-performance Olympic skiff featuring the 49er hull paired with a specialised rig tailored for lighter crews
