20161215

A couple of weeks ago I joined the Dinghy Cruising Association. The rally reports in the DCA journal make interesting reading. Most members have boats in the 12-14 foot range: Mirrors, Enterprises, etc. Boats which are small enough to handle on your own.

This helps to finalize the design brief for my new boat:

• The cruising dinghy will be on a trailer at our home with the rig lying in the boat under cover. This means that all spars must fit in the hull.
• Short trips will be made from a trailer slip within 50km from my home (30 minutes drive)
• The dinghy will be sailed singlehanded most of the time.
• When arriving at the slip, it must be possible to sail within 15 minutes (parking car and trailer and changing into sailing gear excluded). Putting the boat into the water should take about 5 minutes. Rigging mast, sail and rudder should take no more than 10 minutes
• Maximum length:450-500cm to keep towing length within 11m.
• Maximum beam:150-160cm for easy rowing.
• Height under deck:55-70cm
• Freeboard: 45-50cm
• Propulsion: sailing in Bft2 or higher. Alternative propulsion:rowing and/or electric outboard.
• Net displacement with helm ready to sail: around 280kg
• Net displacement with helm and crew ready to sail: around 380kg
• Net displacement with helm and crew and camping gear: around 450kg