A Light Dinghy under construction

I’m delighted to be able to report that the first example of my Light Dinghy design is under construction.

It’s a two sheet dinghy I drew at about the same time as I drew my Light Trow design, and it also has easy lines and the the same five-panel principle, with a flat bottom and two strakes on each side.

The plans for both boats are available as free downloads.

Naturally, I’m very much looking forward to a report of its performance on the water. The builder is a man of some experience, so I don’t imagine he’ll be anything but honest about it!

She’s afloat!

Here’s what builder Lee Boell has to say:

‘I really love the look of what you have drawn here.  And it’s a delight to row.

‘There was a strong tide running – we’d just had a record spring tide for Auckland – which is why I was not going straight! 

‘Anyway, thanks again for this little boat.  I love it.’

You can see clips of some of the other boats Lee has built over the years on his YouTube account – with that much experience, I’m inclined to think he knows what he’s talking about.

Lee Boell021 829 410

The Inverloch Classic Wooden Dinghy Regatta

In the depths of winter, It’s so nice think a little about summer… And quite often it’s Jeff Cole who sends me something suitable.

Thanks to Jeff, here’s a summery little trailer for the Inverloch Classic Wooden Dinghy Regatta, which is run by the South Gippsland Yacht Club.

Also check out this video celebrating 90 years of the Australian Moth class dinghy.

Thanks Jeff! (And thanks for the invitation – I’m sorry I can’t take it up this year!)

 

Square sails drove small boats before the spinnaker

Before the spinnaker, even small boats sometimes had square sails. Not to mention every duster and teacloth in the house… See examples on the Openboat.au rigs and sails page, with no doubt many more to come. My thanks to designer, boatbuilder and sailmaker Michael Storer for the tip. See his boat plans website and Facebook page.

http://www.openboat.com.au/index.html