Dinghy racing

Racing Dinghy boats as a sport.

Dinghy racing is a competitive sport using dinghies, which are small boats which may be rowboats, have an outboard motor, or be sailing dinghies. Dinghy racing has affected aspects of the modern sailing dinghy, including hull design, sail materials and sailplan, and techniques such as planing and trapezing.

Newport Harbor High School sailing team

## Organization of competitive dinghy sailing

[edit]

Dinghy racing comes under the auspices of World Sailing. Organisations such as the Royal Yachting Association, National School Sailing Association (UK) and Canadian Yachting Association (Canada) organise and regulate the sport at a national level. Sailing dinghies compete on an international, national, state, association, club and class basis, using the ISAF International Racing Rules of Sailing, which are revised every four years. There are several courses used, such as the Olympic triangle.

The International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) is the body authorized by ISAF to be responsible for disabled sailing worldwide. IFDS works with yachting associations worldwide to run regional events all the way to the Paralympic Games, as well as adapt ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing to meet disability requirements. Many standard boats are suitable for people with disabilities which can be made more accessible by adaptations. More boats are being designed with disabled people in mind and used regularly around the world by people with disabilities.

### Racecourse

[edit]

Dinghies often race around a windward-leeward racecourse. There is a start/finish "line", set up perpendicular to the wind, marked by a committee boat at one end, and a buoy on the other. After the starting signal, competitors are allowed to cross the line and begin to race to the next mark. The next mark is called the windward mark. The windward mark is placed directly upwind from the start/finish line. Competitors must round the mark going counterclockwise, leaving the mark on the port side of the boat. After rounding the windward mark, the fleet now heads towards the leeward mark. The leeward mark is positioned directly downwind from the windward mark, below the start/finish line. Sailors also round this mark counterclockwise. After rounding, competitors head upwind to cross the finish line. The course may require more than one lap around the marks.

Not all courses are windward-leeward. Variations include triangles, offset marks, gates, and rectangles. Sometimes the finish is to leeward instead of to windward. [1]

### Bermuda Fitted Dinghy racing

[edit]

In Bermuda, the Bermuda rig, now almost universal on small sailing vessels, can still be seen in its purest form in the Bermuda Fitted Dinghy, used for a series of races contested each year by the colony's yacht clubs. The first race of this type was held in 1880, as a way of reducing the costs then experienced racing larger Bermudian sloops, with their similarly larger professional crews. BFD racing was restricted to amateurs, although each dinghy carries a crew of six.

### Single-handed or more than one crew

[edit]

Most racing dinghies can be classified as being either single-handed (one person only) such as the Laser, RS Vareo or double-handed, such as the 470, 505, Heron, Tasar, Flying Junior, International Fireball or the International Fourteen. A few classes of dinghy carry more than two crew whilst racing, typically heavier dayboat types, but also a couple of high-performance, Australian-origin skiff-type dinghies. Some classes allow children to sail double handed until a particular age and then require them to compete single-handed. Some double-handed boats are ideal for an adult and child like the Heron, while some such as the Tasar have weight restrictions which ensure they are sailed competitively by two adults or near-adults. Weight equalisation is also used on certain high-performance classes to ensure that comparative levels of performance are attained.

### One-design, or development class

[edit]

Sailing dinghies can be strict one-design, with virtually no difference between boats and strict rules controlling construction. This allows the competition to be more about sailing ability than about who can afford the newest innovation, although the weight of the boat and sail age and quality may be differentiating factors even in strict one-design classes.

At the other extreme are the development classes where there is wide leeway to experiment with the latest technology. Many classes fall in between these two extremes and allow some limited variations between the boats; this is typical in classes that have multiple builders.

One designs may be strictly controlled, as in the ubiquitous Laser, with all boats being factory produced from identical moulds, with identical rigs and sails. Strict-one designs suffer from being very crew weight specific.

International Flying Dutchman by "MADER" of Germany

Other one-design classes such as the Europe and Flying Dutchman (1960 to 1992) allow differences in hull dimensions within certain tight tolerances. Despite these tolerances only being intended to allow some leeway for boats built by different builders, this usually results in certain builders' boats being perceived as faster due to the way they make use of the tolerances to create a subtly different hull shape. This type of one-design generally allows more freedom in choice of masts, sails and deck layouts.

Restricted classes like the National 12 and Merlin Rocket were previously referred to as one-designs, with tightly controlled rules which keep the boats closely competitive but allow the owner to customize the boat to their preferences and weight.

Full development classes such as the International Moth and International C class catamaran represent the cutting edge of the sport, with fleets being very diverse and often using the latest ideas and technology, including hydrofoils and solid wings in place of sails.

The oldest known one-design sailing dinghy is the Water Wag. Thomas Middleton proposed the idea of one design sailing punts, with centreboards all built and rigged the same in 1887. The first race took place on April 12, 1887, in Kingstown (now Dún Laoghaire) Harbour. The Water Wag Club still race Water Wag dinghies in Dún Laoghaire every Wednesday during the summer season.

### Olympic dinghy sailing

[edit]

Current Olympic sailing classes include several dinghy classes for both men and women, the Laser (men), Laser Radial (women), 470 (mixed), and Nacra 17 catamaran (mixed), the 49er skiff (men.), and the 49erFX skiff(women). The 49erFX is an identical hull to the men's 49er with a slightly reduced rig and sail area to accommodate lighter women's crews.[2]

### In scholastic sport

[edit]

Many secondary schools and universities worldwide have adopted dinghy racing as either a club or varsity sport.

In the United States secondary school sailing is governed by the Interscholastic Sailing Association. College sailing in the United States is governed by the Intercollegiate Sailing Association. Both organizations have been in continuous existence since the early 20th century and, indeed, college racing began in 1928. [1] College sailing in Canada is now governed by the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association, founded in 2010.[2]

In the United Kingdom secondary school sailing is governed by the National School Sailing Association. They not only organize 6 large events each year but support teachers by using sailing as a way of making education interesting and fun. They also offer schools, sailing clubs and youth clubs support on navigating the legal obligations surrounding involving youngsters in adventurous activities. They will be celebrating 50 years existence in 2012. [3]

Most school programs own fleets of at least 6 dinghies, and the well funded programs often have more than 20 dinghies in addition to support boats and paid coaches. Often schools cooperate with local yacht clubs to share fleets. The schools compete in both the fall and spring within regional districts and then, if they qualify through district championships, at a national championship regatta. Additionally, schools also compete in team racing regattas where they are able to compete one-on-one against other schools.

Many clubs also sponsor junior programs for younger sailors. Junior sailors generally compete in club races and, if eligible, can compete in national events like those sponsored by US Sailing and internationally.

### Handicap events - an attempt to even the playing field between different boat speeds

[edit]

Races involving mixed fleets (different classes of boat, different ages, weights and abilities of sailors) can be organised on a handicap basis. The most commonly used handicapping system is the Portsmouth yardstick, which assigns a different rating to each class of boat in a mixed fleet and (at least in theory) gives every boat an equal chance of winning. Handicaps can also be personal (sometimes called a back-calculated yardstick), taking into account the results of the sailor over past races, so an inexperienced person who sails significantly better than previously over a season or regatta can win on handicap. There are unfortunately certain classes of boats which do better or worse because of their particular handicap, and as boats are modified the handicap system are often slow to catch up. However, for the purposes of large fleet racing with many different classes, the handicap systems seem to work quite well.[citation needed]

### Class, association, club

[edit]

Clubs generally have a number of different classes competing on any one day, often sailing the same course at the same time, or sometimes with each class starting a few minutes apart. Keen club sailors join and compete in events with their State and National Associations. Associations generally cater for only one class of boat, but generally have competitors in several divisions.

### Competitive areas

[edit]

The UK has one of the most diverse dinghy racing scenes in the world with over 100 different classes of dinghy and strongly supported clubs both inland and around the coast.

Other competitive areas include the Eastern seaboard of the United States and Southern California. In these areas the junior programs are well funded and provide excellent training experience. The most popular boats are Naples Sabots, the Flying Junior, the Laser, 420s and 29ers.

Europe has a very active circuit in many classes. Asia, Australia and South America are all large contenders at international events,

Examples

1. Class: 470: http://www.470.org
2. Class: Laser: http://www.laser.org
3. Class: GP14: http://www.gp14.org
4. Discussion: The Laser Forum: http://www.laserforum.org
5. Discussion: The Sunfish Forum: http://www.sunfishforum.com
6. Class: Lark: http://www.larkclass.org
7. Class: 505: http://www.int505.org
8. Club: Concord & Ryde Sailing Club: http://www.concordrydesailing.org.au
9. Association: NSW Heron Association: https://web.archive.org/web/20060219183812/http://herons.dinghies.org/
10. Puddle Duck Racer: http://www.pdracer.com
11. Association: Flying 11 Association of Australia: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/feaa/

## Motor-driven dinghy racing

[edit]

Motor-driven dinghy races include the Dinghy Derby in Australia, using aluminium boats that are variants of the Stacer 319 Proline type.[3]

## See also

[edit]

* Sports portal

* Boat building
* Dinghy sailing
* Racing Rules of Sailing
* Yacht racing

## Further reading

[edit]

* Kattmergan, Jon; Schönborn, Al; Hughes, Derwyn; McNamara, Mike. Wayfarer Racing: rig for racing; racing techniques; strategy and tactics (PDF). UKWA Wayfarer; Wayfarer Institute of Technology. Retrieved 8 November 2013.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ https://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/WSRRS20212024FinalwithChgsandCorrecns201113-[27417].pdf Appendix S pg. 147
2. ^ "Paris 2024".
3. ^ Josh Rakic (2017-02-27). "What does it take to make a run-of-the-mill fishing boat Dinghy Derby-worthy?". Red Bull.

## External links

[edit]

* Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association
* ISAF Web site
* International Association for Disabled Sailing
* Access Class Association Archived 2009-07-15 at the Wayback Machine
* List of Dinghy Classes
* Sailgroove
* SailJuice: Articles about how to Sail and Race Faster

* v
* t
* e

Sailing dinghies

Dinghies under 10 ft|

* Cape Cod Frosty
* Flipper (US)
* Frog
* El Toro
* Fatty Knees
* Fly
* Holdfast Trainer
* Manly Junior
* Minto
* Montgomery 7-11
* Naples Sabot
* O'PEN Skiff
* Optimist
* P Class
* Pelican
* Sabot
* Shrimp
* Starling
* Tadpole
* Topaz Taz
* US Sabot
* Zoom 8

Dinghies under 15 ft|

| 0–K|

* 10ft Skiff
* 12 foot dinghy
* 125
* 145
* 12ft Skiff
* 29er
* 29erXX skiff
* 2000
* 3000
* 420
* 470
* American 14.6
* ASC
* B14
* Banshee
* Beetle Cat
* Beneteau First 14
* Beneteau Wizz
* Bermuda Fitted Dinghy
* Beverly Dinghy
* Barnett 1400
* Blaze
* Blue Crab 11
* Blue Jay
* Bombardier 3.8
* Bombardier Invitation
* Bosun
* British Moth
* Bullet 14
* Buzz
* Byte
* Cadet
* Capri Cyclone
* Cherub
* C-Lark
* Comet (UK)
* Coypu
* Dabchick
* Dart
* Designers Choice
* Dolphin 15 Senior
* Echo 12
* Enterprise
* Europe
* Envy
* Farr 3.7
* Finn
* Firefly
* Flying Ant
* Flying Eleven
* Force 5
* GP14
* Graduate
* Griffon
* Gull
* Howmar 12
* Heron
* Houdini
* Idle-along
* Impulse
* Interclub Dinghy
* International 14
* International FJ
* Javelin (NZ)
* Javelin (US)
* Jet 14
* Jollyboat (NZ)
* Kite

|

L–Z|

* Lark
* Laser Standard
* Laser 2
* Laser 3000
* Laser 4.7
* Laser 5000
* Laser Pico
* Laser Radial
* Laser Vago
* Laser Vortex
* Lehman 12
* Lehman Interclub
* Lido 14
* Mark
* Marlin
* Melges 14
* Merlin Rocket
* Metaf
* Metcalf
* MG14
* Minisail
* Miracle
* Mirror
* Montgomery 7-11
* Montgomery 12
* Moth
* Musto Skiff
* National 12
* NS14
* OK Dinghy
* Otter
* Pacer
* Pegasus
* Penguin
* Phantom 14
* Phantom
* Precision 13
* Precision 14
* Puffer
* Rascal 14
* RS Aero
* RS Feva
* RS Neo
* RS Quest
* RS Tera
* RS Vareo
* RS100
* RS200
* RS300
* RS400
* RS500
* RS600
* RS700
* RS800
* Sabre
* Scorpion
* Skimmer
* Skipjack 15
* Skunk 11
* Snark
* Snowbird
* Solo
* Speedball 14
* Spindrift 13
* Spiral
* Splash
* Streaker
* Sunburst
* Sunfish
* Surprise 15
* Tanzer 14
* Tasar
* Tech Dinghy
* Topper
* Topper Topaz
* Topaz Magno
* Topaz Vibe
* Transit 380
* Twitchell 12
* Vagabond
* Vaurien
* Wanderer
* Waszp
* Water Wag
* Widgeon 12
* Woodpussy
* Zeddie
* Zephyr

Dinghies under 20 ft|

| 0–K|

* 16ft Skiff
* 18 foot dinghy
* 18ft Skiff
* 470
* 49er
* 505
* Albacore
* Apollo 16
* Australian Sharpie
* Beaufort
* Bombardier 4.8
* Buccaneer 18
* Cape Cod Gemini
* Cape Cod Mercury 15
* Caprice 15
* CL 16
* Comet (US)
* Contender
* Coronado 15
* Corsair
* Day Sailer
* Flying Dutchman
* Flying Scot
* French National Monotype 1924
* Geary 18
* Gloucester 15
* Hampton One-Design
* Holiday 20
* Hornet
* Interlake
* International Canoe
* ISO
* Jacksnipe
* Javelin (Europe)
* Jersey Skiff
* Jollyboat (UK)
* Jolly Boat
* JY15

|

L–Z|

* Laser 4000
* Laser Stratos
* Leeward 16
* Lelievlet
* Lightning
* Melges 15
* Menger Cat 15
* Mirror 16
* Mistral 16
* Mobjack
* Mud Hen 17
* Mutineer 15
* O-Jolle
* Paceship 20
* Payne-Mortlock sailing canoe
* Picnic 17
* Pirate
* Precision 15 CB
* Precision 16
* Precision 185 CB
* Ranger 16
* Rebel 16
* Rhodes 18
* Rhodes 19
* RS Vision
* RS700
* RS800
* RS Venture
* S2 5.5
* Salcombe Yawl
* Sea Bright
* Sea Scout Standard Boat (BP18)
* Snipe
* Tanzer 16
* 12m2 Sharpie
* Thistle
* Topaz Omega
* US1
* Vanguard 15
* Wayfarer
* Windmill
* Windy
* Winkle Brig
* X Boat

Dinghies 20 ft or over|

* Dovekie 21
* Highlander
* Norfolk Punt
* Sea Pearl 21

Scows|

* A Scow
* Butterfly
* C Scow
* E Scow
* Fireball
* Flipper (Danish)
* I-20
* Melges 17
* M Scow
* MC Scow
* Puddle Duck Racer
* Thames A-class rater
* Y Flyer

Multihulls|

| Catamarans|

* A-Class
* Catalina Catamaran
* Cheshire 14
* Dart 16
* Dart 18
* DC-14 Phantom
* Flying Phantom Elite
* Flying Phantom Essentiel
* Formula 16
* Formula 18
* G-Cat 5.0
* G-Cat 5.7
* Hobie 14
* Hobie 16
* Hobie 17
* Hobie Bravo
* Hobie Dragoon
* Hobie Tiger
* Hobie Wave
* Hobie Wildcat
* Isotope
* Kona 14
* Nacra 5.2
* Nacra 15
* Nacra F16
* Nacra 17
* Nacra F18 Infusion
* Nacra 20 Carbon
* M32
* Phantom 14
* Phantom 16
* Phoenix 18
* Prindle 18
* Prindle 18-2
* Shearwater III
* SL 16
* Topcat K1
* Tornado
* Trac 14
* Trac 16
* Viper F16

|

Trimarans|

* Astus 14.1
* Wētā

* v
* t
* e

Water sports and activities

Activities in water|

* Aquajogging
* Diving
* synchronized
* Flyboarding
* Freediving
* Scuba diving
* Snorkeling
* Swimming
* Synchronized swimming
* Water aerobics

Activities on water|

* Boating
* Bodyboarding
* Bodysurfing
* Cable skiing
* Canoeing
* Fishing
* Kayaking
* Kiteboarding
* Kiteboating
* Kneeboarding
* Paddleboarding
* Standup paddleboarding
* Parasailing
* Rafting
* Riverboarding
* Rowing
* Sailing
* Skimboarding
* Skurfing
* Stone skipping
* Surfing
* Tubing
* Wakeboarding
* Wakeskating
* Wakesurfing
* Water skiing
* barefoot
* Windsurfing
* Yachting

Team sports|

* Canoe polo
* Dinghy racing
* Dragon boat racing
* Outrigger canoe racing
* Synchronized diving
* Synchronized swimming
* Waboba
* Water basketball
* Water polo
* Water volleyball

Competitions|

* Boat racing
* Modern pentathlon
* Sailing races
* Triathlon
* Yacht racing

* Category
* Commons

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template