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Sunfish Sail Dinghy Reborn

  • By Chad Gillis
  • Updated: April 27, 2021

A black and white image of a man at a sewing machine.

The Sunfish. For thousands of sailors around the world, it’s an iconic name that conjures memories of beautiful beaches, colorful sails, whipping winds and a freedom that only comes from such a simple small craft. Many sailors have centered their love for the sport on a Sunfish—at summer camps in the lakes of the Midwest, along coastal stretches of both American coasts, and on pretty much any stretch of water between. First offered as a DIY wood kit in the 1950s, the Sunfish has been a staple of the recreational sailing and racing scenes for decades as a relatively inexpensive one‑design dinghy.

The ubiquitous and ­colorful singlehander has stood the test of time, but today it is at a performance crossroads. Technology has long surpassed the boat’s one-design ­limitations, and new generations of sailors are now drawn to modern dinghy classes with better equipment. But what if the Sunfish were reimagined with modern blades and a more efficient sail? There are several movements afoot to do just that, with innovations driven by Sunfish fanatics taking development matters into their own hands.

Leading one charge in the sail-development department is Kevin Farrar, of Farrar Sails in New London, Connecticut. He’s now manufacturing a ­non-class-legal Sunfish sail, one that he says is much faster than the triangular rag of yesteryear. The boom is also shorter on this rig, yet the sail area is increased by about 8 square feet.

“It’s clearly a significant change,” Farrar says. He’s been working his version of the Sunfish sail for several years. “The concept is to make something that’s going to make the boat appeal to 16-year-olds out there. This is a modern design, and it really works.”

His sails are getting faster too, generation by generation, as he makes tweaks that have also made the classic boat appear more modern. “Off the wind, [the latest generation is] radically faster than even what we were making in the second generation of sails,” Farrar says. “[The boats] are planing much faster. I’m not sure if they’re planing upwind quite yet, but it has taken [the Sunfish] a step beyond what the Laser is.”

Them might be fighting words. The Laser has long been the standard singlehanded dinghy, and it’s one of the most popular racing classes on the planet, but Farrar hopes his sail will help breathe new life into Sunfish sailing, perhaps even draw a new generation to what seems to be a declining class.

“It’s the basic lateen rig except that the sail area is 83 square feet, and the top of the sail is parallel to the waterline. You’re getting a lot more of the sail up and in better air,” Farrar says. “The boom has been shortened to about 10 feet.”

All equipment used in official Sunfish-class racing must have been offered by the builder at some point in the boat’s life cycle. And while the Sunfish’s modern blades are a big step up from the wooden blades of the early days, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. And that’s where Kent Misegades comes into the story. At his AeroSouth facilities, in Seven Lakes, North Carolina, he’s stamping out some pretty slick-looking foils for his Sunfish. He has a vertical rudder that has minimal weather helm, even in stronger winds. The current class-approved rudder is notorious for having strong weather helm when the wind pipes above 15 knots. Misegades says his rudder is better and faster (especially upwind), and it costs about the same as the Sunfish-class-supplied rudder. “I understand the one-design concept,” he says. “It’s an even playing field, so it really does come down to a comparison of skills. I understand it, but that, of course, kills innovation, so there are two sides to it.”

Misegades said he isn’t yet targeting the class ­association or asking racers to adopt his new daggerboard and ­rudder designs. He knows that most Sunfish owners don’t race, but no good sailor would ever argue against better handling. “I knew from the outset that any change of rules for the class is pretty involved, for good reason,” he says, “so, I never went about trying to convince the class to adopt them. We’ve never really gone to class ­racing, but something that’s intrigued me is there’s been discussion of a new rudder, and it’s opened their eyes to potentially get gear from a third party.”

Three sailboats sailing on the open waters.

Misegades says his ­rudder dramatically improves the Sunfish’s notorious weather helm, but he had other goals in mind during the design process. “The weather helm wasn’t my primary goal; it was mainly to reduce drag to improve pointing and speed,” he says. “I went through a lot of different plans; hundreds of iterations happened.

“It all comes down to the angle of the rudder, and in all angles, this rudder really is superior,” Misegades ­continues. “But there is one drawback to this vertical rudder in that it doesn’t scull. The Sunfish ­rudder does do that well.”

Misegades’ rudder is also prone to stalling during a tack if the helmsperson is not careful. “This vertical narrow rudder will whip the boat around, but it’s not nearly as ­effective as the standard rudder,” Misegades says.

AeroSouth’s foils are ­comparable in price to what class builders offer today. The wood-and-carbon version of the daggerboard is $350, which is less than the official class boar. AeroSouth’s rudder is $300.

The International Sunfish Class Association is likely to be slow in adopting this new gear, however. Perhaps for good reason. Larry Suter, who has raced Sunfish in seven different decades, has been pushing the class to set the stock rudder to 90 degrees. Doing so would be at least one step forward, he says. “If you go out in a Sunfish in 14 or 15 knots of wind, and if you feel the pull on the tiller and the pull on the mainsheet, it’s the same force,” Suter explains. “[The 90-degree rudder angle] really makes the boat a nice boat to sail. It doesn’t have the weather helm, and you don’t have to fight it.”

Lynne Randall, Florida Peninsula region representative for the Sunfish Class, is familiar with the new sails and blades being developed outside the manufacturer’s specs, and she is cognizant that the class association can’t simply change equipment every time a new piece of gear comes to market.

“It’s a really strong one-design group around here, so you have to keep the boat [setup in a way that’s] approved by the class,” Randall says. “These changes are interesting and fun, and some people are trying them out, but as far as one-design racing goes, you can’t do it.”

Randall says that the new gear will require investigation, testing, adopting and tweaking before it gets anywhere near approval under the class regulations. Drawing new sailors to an old class is an exciting idea, but so too is retaining the sailors who make up the bulk of the racing fleet

“Of course we want to grow the class, and it’s one of those things that evolves,” Randall says. “But if you want to sail ­recreationally, there are ways to try different things.”

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Welcome to the Sunfish Class Website!

Sunfish are incredibly popular single-handed sailboats. Raced and cruised in over 20 countries, this flexible, tunable rig makes it suited to a diverse range of sailors.Few classes have women, youth and masters regularly finishing in the top 10 (or winning!) national and World Championships.  Since the boat has changed little over the years, you don’t need a brand-new Sunfish to start racing. While new boats are reasonably priced, used boats are plentiful, and with perhaps a new sail you are ready to join the fun!

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Latest Edition August 2024 English and Spanish

CLICK on Graphic to check out our past issues of the Windward Leg going back to 1979! 

Have a topic for a future issue?  Please contact the Windward Leg Editor for submission. 

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  • Sailing the Sunfish: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

The Sunfish sailboat, a name synonymous with accessibility, simplicity, and joy in the sailing world, has been cutting through waters around the globe with its distinctive lateen sail and flat, board-like hull. Born in the mid-20th century, its inception was driven by a desire to democratize sailing – an ambition that turned into a global phenomenon. The Sunfish’s straightforward design, characterized by its lightweight and easy-to-rig setup, revolutionized how sailboats were made and perceived. This evolution made sailing not just an elite sport but a leisure activity accessible to families and individuals alike.

The design and specifications of the Sunfish have always been about maximizing ease of use without compromising on performance. Its hull is designed for stability, while the lateen sail, a simple yet efficient sail setup, allows for easy control and adaptability to various wind conditions. This combination of design features ensures that the Sunfish sailboat is not only affordable but also a highly versatile craft, appealing to a broad spectrum of sailors from novices to seasoned enthusiasts.

Versatility, Community, and the Sailing Experience

The appeal of the Sunfish sailboat extends far beyond its technical specifications. Its versatility shines whether it's used for a leisurely sail on a local lake or competing in one of many Sunfish racing events held worldwide. This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for sailors of all levels, offering a gentle learning curve for beginners while still providing enough challenge for experienced sailors to enjoy.

The sense of community among Sunfish sailors is palpable. Across the globe, clubs and groups convene around their shared passion for Sunfish sailing, hosting regattas, and races that bring people together. This camaraderie fosters a welcoming environment, making it easy for newcomers to learn and for veterans to share their knowledge and stories. The community aspect of Sunfish sailing is a significant draw, reinforcing the idea that sailing is not just about the time spent on the water but also about the connections made along the way.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Check out our latest sailing content:

Mastering sunfish sailing: techniques, maintenance, and more.

Sailing a Sunfish requires an understanding of wind and water, skills that are developed through practice and experience. For those new to the sport, mastering the Sunfish sailboat comes with a sense of achievement, as sailors learn to rig their boats, adjust their sails to the wind, and navigate through waters with confidence. These skills are not only practical but also enrich the sailing experience, making each outing a unique adventure.

Maintaining a Sunfish sailboat is straightforward, ensuring that it remains in top condition for years. Regular maintenance tasks such as inspecting the hull for damage, checking the rigging, and ensuring the sail is in good condition can significantly extend the lifespan of the boat. Additionally, understanding how to prepare the Sunfish for off-season storage is crucial, as proper care during this period can prevent damage and wear, ensuring that the boat is ready for the next sailing season.

Choosing and Customizing Your Sunfish Sailboat

For those looking to buy a new Sunfish sailboat, the market offers a variety of options. Prices vary based on new or used conditions, but affordability remains a key feature of the Sunfish, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets. Moreover, the Sunfish sailboat is highly customizable, allowing sailors to modify their boats to suit personal preferences and needs. Whether it’s upgrading the sail for better performance or adding comfort features for longer sails, the possibilities for personalization are vast, making each Sunfish uniquely tailored to its owner.

In conclusion, the Sunfish sailboat embodies the spirit of sailing – a blend of freedom, adventure, and community. Its simple design, affordability, and versatility have made it a beloved choice among sailors worldwide. Whether you’re embarking on your first sailing journey or looking to add a new chapter to your sailing adventures, the Sunfish offers a perfect platform to explore the waters. With each sail set and horizon chased, the Sunfish sailboat continues to be a symbol of joy and accessibility in the sailing community.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite  sailing destinations.

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Thumbnail Filmstrip of Sunfish Recreational Version Images

Sku: lpsf11000 sunfish recreational version.

  • Description

Made by Laser Performance

The Sunfish sailboat combines easy rigging and manageability for a comfortable and hassle free sailing experience. This is the sailboat loved by all. Designed in 1952, the Sunfish is still a favorite with all ages.

With the easy to control and rig triangular lateen sail, the Sunfish is the easiest boat to access the joy of sailing. Find these small sailboats on lakes and bays all over the country in addition to racing fleets all over the world. The single-sail Sunfish is praised for it's simple to rig set up, while it's size and weight make it easy to car top or trailer. The Sunfish is built to last and provide years of worry free enjoyment with minimal maintenance required.

  • Sunfish Recreational Sail w/ Window
  • Recreational Spar Set
  • Ratcheting Mainsheet Block
  • Standard Line Pack
  • Fiberglass Rudder
  • Fiberglass Daggerboard
  • Aluminum Tiller and Extension
  • Ice Blue Sunfish Hull
  • Draft: 2'11"
  • Sail Area: 75 Square Feet
  • Hull Weight: 120 lbs

Due to the size of this item, shipping will need to be quoted on a case by case basis. Please contact us directly at (631) 264-0005 for a shipping quote.

LaserPerformance

The Sunfish combines easy rigging and manageability for a comfortable and hassle-free sailing experience. This is the sailboat loved by all. Designed in 1952 as the ultimate beach craft, the Sunfish sailboat is still a favourite with all ages. This maintenance free boat holds its resale value thanks to its robust construction, highlighted by hard chines and a flat underbody. The Sunfish can be stored almost anywhere and is a snap to car-top, making it a popular international class and easy to transport to your favourite beach for family fun.

sunfish sailboat sail

The Sunfish has its roots planted firmly in 1947 in Waterbury, Connecticut. Friends Alexander “Al” Bryan and Cortlandt “Cort” Heyniger (the Al and Cort in Alcort) pondered, “How to put a sail on a surfboard?” The answer involved a rejected design for American Red Cross waterfront rescue surfboards, leading to the Sailfish – a lateen rigged, flat-decked, plywood marvel. In 1951, Bryan’s pregnant wife found its flat deck somewhat uncomfortable. The addition of a cockpit and widening of the hull created the Sunfish. The logo was created by Heyniger, who traced a nickel and added fins, the tail and an eye. Early wood Sailfish and Sunfish were available assembled or as kits. In 1959 the introduction of fiberglass and the low cost and ease of production led to the proliferation of Sunfish everywhere. Other improvements included aluminium spars replacing spruce, Dacron sails replacing cotton, ash replacing mahogany for tillers, resulting in increased speed, performance and reliability. Sunfish racing started almost as quickly as two or three boats came together – the first North American Championship was 1963, the first Midwinters was 1965.

sunfish sailboat sail

1 Hull – 2 Versions

Race – A strict one design international sail class

  • Adjustable downhaul
  • Adjustable outhaul
  • Performance ratchet block
  • Performance sailcloth

Recreational – For the ones exclusively looking for the pleasure of sailing a extremely simple and fun dinghy

  • Colourful sails
  • Even more simple to rig
  • Reduced time to water
  • Sailing made simple

sunfish sailboat sail

The Sunfish is a sailing icon

One of sailing’s best-known brands, it is unmatched in simplicity and performance making it popular for all ages and abilities. With more than 60 years in production and sailed by celebrities such as the Kennedy and Paul McCartney, the Sunfish is the most popular sailboat in history.

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60 ft 2 5.58 m 2

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13.9 FT 4.24M

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4.1 FT 1.25 M

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2.11 FT 0.64 M

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Beginner->Expert

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Sunfish Rigging from the West Coast Sailing Rig Shop

The Sunfish sailboat is a renowned single-handed dinghy known for its simplicity, versatility, and popularity worldwide. West Coast Sailing has all the resources you need to rig, find replacement parts, and enjoy sailing your Sunfish.

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Sunfish sailboat photos (link), sunfish frequently asked questions, q: sunfish are still made huh.

A: Yes. Not nearly in the quantity that they used to, but they are still manufactured and sold.

Q: What changes have there been with the boat over the years?

A: The Sunfish is still pretty similar to how it's always been. There were some rudder and traveller upgrades, some changes to the hull/deck build and a few small hardware upgrades. But, overall the boat is very very similar to the first one made 50+ years ago.

Q: Are the blades wood still?

A: Not anymore, all of the Sunfish we bring in have the new and modern Fiberglass Rudder and Daggerboard.

Q: Where are Sunfish made?

A: At the moment, they are mainly made in Portugal.

About the Sunfish

The Sunfish sailboat is a renowned single-handed dinghy known for its simplicity, versatility, and popularity worldwide. Designed by Alcort, Inc. in 1951, the 13 feet 9 inches fiberglass hull, equipped with a cat-rigged lateen sail of 75 square feet, ensures stability and ease of handling. With a daggerboard for lateral resistance and a design suitable for a wide range of wind conditions, the Sunfish is an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced sailors. Its compact size and lightweight construction facilitate easy transport on car roofs or trailers, and it can be stored vertically or horizontally. The boat's global reach is evident through its use in recreational sailing, racing, and as a teaching tool in sailing schools, with the International Sunfish Class Association overseeing class rules and events, further cementing its status as an iconic and accessible sailboat.

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SailMentor

Become the Confident Skipper of Your Own Sailboat

Just what is a sunfish sailboat an overview for beginners.

  • Post author: Anns
  • Post published: October 10, 2022
  • Post category: Uncategorized
  • Post comments: 0 Comments

Introduction

Sunfish sailboats are a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors. They’re affordable, easy to learn, and fun for all ages. But it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you buy one. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from how Sunfish boats work to accessories you might want to add when purchasing your new toy!

Sunfish sailboats are fun, affordable, and simple to learn.

Sunfish sailboats are fun, affordable and simple to learn.

A Sunfish sailboat is a great way to get started in sailing. They’re easy to store and transport, so you can take them with you on vacation or keep them at home for weekend sailing. The design is also very forgiving if you make mistakes while learning how to sail–you don’t have to worry about breaking anything when making mistakes! The tough fiberglass hulls and riveted aluminum frames make repairs pretty easy too!

A Sunfish has three components: hull, sail, and daggerboard.

A Sunfish has three components: hull, sail and daggerboard.

The hull is the body of the boat. The sail is what catches the wind to push it along. The daggerboard is a small board that keeps the boat from rolling over when sailing in rough waters or high winds.

The Hull is a one-piece design, made of molded plastic for durability.

The hull, or body of a Sunfish sailboat, is a one-piece design made from molded plastic for durability. The hull is also called the “body” in some circles.

The hull of your Sunfish sailboat will be constructed of fiberglass and resin—a material that makes it strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of many years on the water.

The Sail is made of Dacron with kevlar stitching.

The sail is made of Dacron, a synthetic fiber. The stitching is made of kevlar. The kevlar is a synthetic fiber as well. There are several types of stitches that can be used to hold the sail together, but all will do the job equally well.

The Daggerboard fills with water as it is lowered, keeping the boat from rolling over. To raise it, simply pull it out by using the loop at its top.

Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.

It can be good to have additional accessories on your Sunfish sailboat. These include tiller extensions and replacement mast or hull parts in case of damage.

If you plan to sail in wide open water, a tiller extension is useful as it will give you more control over the boat. The mast and rudder are also adjustable for different conditions. If you are sailing in shallow water, a daggerboard extension is useful as this increases stability so that your boat doesn’t tip over easily (especially if there are other boats nearby).

You can also attach extra sails for when you want more speed or wind resistance.

Owning a Sunfish sailboat can be a rewarding experience!

Owning a Sunfish sailboat can be a rewarding experience! They are easy to learn, affordable and fun. The design is versatile, which makes them last forever.

The Sunfish is an open cockpit boat with a single sail mounted on a mast at the top of the boat and two or three seats inside the hull. It may have an outrigger for stability or it may not. Either way, it’s designed for one person to use and that person does not need any experience with sailing whatsoever in order to get started using their Sunfish on the water.

If you’re thinking about learning how to sail, a Sunfish is the perfect boat for you. It’s affordable, fun and easy to learn. There are so many benefits that come with owning one. For example: it can be great exercise as well as an opportunity to spend time with family or friends out on the water! If these reasons sound good then maybe now is the time for us all

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United States Sunfish Class Association

Class contact information.

Click below

Class Email

Class Website

One-Design Class Type: Dinghy

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Both

Approximately how many class members do you have? 500

Photo Credit:Priscilla Parker, Race Committee/Photographer – Wrightsville Beach, NC

sunfish sailboat sail

Photo Credit:

US Sunfish Class Association

About United States Sunfish Class Association

The International Sunfish Class Association is the governing body of Sunfish racers everywhere. The Sunfish Class offers diversity unmatched by any one-design racer. Young, old, short, tall, big, small, man, woman, world-class or just learning, we are a welcome and opening group of people who love our little boats. We are Olympians, World Champions and the single-handed class in the Pan American Games. We are dedicated to racing our best while recognizing the Corinthian essence of the sport. Sailors won’t find a more welcoming, open and friendly group of sailors anywhere. We are classic, competitive and fun! Our mission is to promote and develop Sunfish Class one design racing worldwide under uniform rules, enhance the enjoyment of the boat and to provide an efficient medium of exchange of information and friendship among Sunfish sailors.

THE WINDWARD LEG – The Class Newsletter- is now being published in English and Spanish: https://www.sunfishclass.org/past_issues_windward_leg

Boats Produced: 750,000

Class boat builder(s):

LaserPerformance/MacLaren

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 600,000

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Nine USA Regions … Florida, New England, New York, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Southwest, West

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? No

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  One

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  120-185 lbs

Boat Designed in  1953

Length (feet/inches): 13′ 9″

Beam: 4′ 1″

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 125-185

Draft: 2′ 11″

Mast Height: 10′

Class Rules (PDF Doc)

Back to One-Design Central

Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->

    Beam:  4'    Draft:  3'
    Beam:  4.5'    Draft:  1'
    Beam:  4'
    Beam:  4'    Draft:  1'

sunfish sailboat sail

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  • Sailboat Guide

Sunfish is a 13 ′ 10 ″ / 4.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger/Carl Meinart and built by AMF Corp., Alcort, Pearson Yachts, and LaserPerformance starting in 1952.

Drawing of Sunfish

  • 1 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View
  • 2 / 23 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Sunfish $650 USD View
  • 3 / 23 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
  • 4 / 23 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
  • 5 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View
  • 6 / 23 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Sunfish $650 USD View
  • 7 / 23 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
  • 8 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View
  • 9 / 23 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
  • 10 / 23 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
  • 11 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View
  • 12 / 23 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
  • 13 / 23 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
  • 14 / 23 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
  • 15 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View
  • 16 / 23 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
  • 17 / 23 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
  • 18 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View
  • 19 / 23 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
  • 20 / 23 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
  • 21 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View
  • 22 / 23 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
  • 23 / 23 Corvallis, OR, US Sunfish $1,500 USD View

sunfish sailboat sail

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Although the earliest models were built of wood and offered as kits, the fiberglass version, first introduced in 1960, became the most popular recreational sailboat in history. As a result, there were many imitators.

Sunfish Builder Chronology 1952 - 1969 Alcort, Inc. (founded 1945) 1969 - 1986 AMF 1986 - 1988 Loveless & DeGarmo, dba, Alcort Sailboats Inc. 1988 - 1991 Pearson Yacht Co. 1991 - 1997 Sunfish/Laser, Inc. 1997 - 2007 Vanguard 2007 - Laser Performance Change in class rules permitted a new, slightly deeper daggerboard in the mid-1990’s.

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Alcort Sunfish cover photo

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IMAGES

  1. July 10, 2014, Sunfish Sail in the Gulf

    sunfish sailboat sail

  2. Pin on Sunfish

    sunfish sailboat sail

  3. Small Boat Restoration: Sunfish Sailboat Hull, Spars and Line Specifications

    sunfish sailboat sail

  4. Small Boat Restoration: Sunfish Sailboat Hull, Spars and Line Specifications

    sunfish sailboat sail

  5. Sailing Sunfish

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  6. #sunfish #laserperformance #sailing #sail #sunfishsailboat #fun #water #cruise

    sunfish sailboat sail

VIDEO

  1. Get ready to Sunfish Sailboat Sail!

  2. Sunfish sailboat ⛵️ edit

  3. How the Masters Champion Rigs his Sunfish Sailboat

  4. Breakdown Sailing Sunfish

  5. CRASH JIBE on board Sunfish Sailing

  6. Sunfish Sailing Made Easier

COMMENTS

  1. Sunfish Sails

    The sail rings fit around the booms and clip onto the sail, holding it securely. Com.. $39.95. Showing 1 to 22 of 22 (1 Pages) Looking for a new sail for your Sunfish Sailboat? SunfishDirect stocks all available Sunfish sails and even some hard to get sails from previous model years. We even offer same day FREE shipping!

  2. Worldwide supplier of Sunfish boats, parts, & accessories

    The Sunfish Sailboat The Sunfish is the most popular boat ever produced! Great for both casual sailing and racing. Explore lakes, bays, even oceans. Compact, lightweight, easy to transport. Ideal for one or two sailors. We offer customization options you won't find anywhere else! We have a large selection of boats, sails and parts in stock and ready to ship.

  3. Sunfish Sails: Fast Shipping

    Sunfish Sails in white, solid colors, 4 color combinations or custom designs. Quality recreational Sunfish Sails available with visibility windows and sail hoops.

  4. Sunfish (sailboat)

    The Sunfish is a personal-size, beach-launched sailing dinghy. It features a very flat, boardlike hull carrying an Oceanic lateen sail mounted to an un- stayed mast. Sunfish was developed by Alcort, Inc. and first appeared around 1952 as the "next generation" improvement on their original boat, the Sailfish. In contrast, the Sunfish has a wider ...

  5. SUNFISH

    Sunfish Builder Chronology. 1952 - 1969 Alcort, Inc. (founded 1945) 1969 - 1986 AMF. 1986 - 1988 Loveless & DeGarmo, dba, Alcort Sailboats Inc. 1988 - 1991 Pearson Yacht Co. 1991 - 1997 Sunfish/Laser, Inc. 1997 - 2007 Vanguard. 2007 - Laser Performance. Change in class rules permitted a new, slightly deeper daggerboard in the mid-1990's.

  6. Sunfish Sail Dinghy Reborn

    Sunfish Sail Dinghy Reborn. A few Sunfish stalwarts set out to modernize the original lateen-like sail. The result is good. Sailmaker Kevin Farrar puts the finishing touches on one of his new ...

  7. How to Rig A Racing Sunfish Sailboat

    In this Video, Sunfish Sailor, Lee Montes shows you how to take a regular Recreational Sunfish Sailboat and shows you need to Rig it to be a Racing Sunfish Sailboat. Sunfish Sailing with a higher ...

  8. Sunfish Class Association

    Welcome to the Sunfish Class Website! Sunfish are incredibly popular single-handed sailboats. Raced and cruised in over 20 countries, this flexible, tunable rig makes it suited to a diverse range of sailors.Few classes have women, youth and masters regularly finishing in the top 10 (or winning!) national and World Championships. Since the boat ...

  9. Sailing the Sunfish

    The Sunfish sailboat, a name synonymous with accessibility, simplicity, and joy in the sailing world, has been cutting through waters around the globe with its distinctive lateen sail and flat, board-like hull. Born in the mid-20th century, its inception was driven by a desire to democratize sailing - an ambition that turned into a global ...

  10. How to Rig the Sunfish Sailboat Jens Rig

    Sunfish Sailor, Lee Montes, shows you how to rig a Sunfish Sailboat with a Jens Rig. With detailed descriptions of the GUST ADJUST, The Long Island Jens, The Lasso Jens and the Two Halyard Jens ...

  11. Sunfish Sailboat Parts & Accessories

    Looking for Sunfish Sailboat Parts? West Coast Sailing has got you covered - Sunfish parts for sale including sails, rudders, sail rings, dollies, and more plus help rigging a Sunfish. Free Shipping on orders over $49.

  12. Sunfish Sail Boats

    Sunfish Sail Boat, Blue Coaming (Splash- Rail) Please visit our CONFIGURE YOUR BOAT page for a full list of available options for you new Sunfish b.. Sunfish Direct offers a complete line of in-stock Sunfish boats, hardware, parts and supplies for the sunfish enthusiasts manufactured by Laser Performance. One source for all of your Sunfish ...

  13. Sunfish Recreational by Laser Performance

    The Sunfish sailboat combines easy rigging and manageability for a comfortable and hassle free sailing experience. This is the sailboat loved by all. Designed in 1952, the Sunfish is still a favorite with all ages.

  14. Sunfish

    The Sunfish combines easy rigging and manageability for a comfortable and hassle-free sailing experience. This is the sailboat loved by all.

  15. Sunfish Sailing Tips and Tricks

    Sunfish Sailor, Lee Montes, shares many tips and tricks like how to sail better in lighter air, how to rig a sunfish sailboat on the water, how to properly t...

  16. Sunfish Sailboat Resources

    The Sunfish sailboat is a renowned single-handed dinghy known for its simplicity, versatility, and popularity worldwide. West Coast Sailing has all the resources you need to rig, find replacement parts, and enjoy sailing your Sunfish.

  17. Just What is a Sunfish Sailboat? An Overview for Beginners

    Sunfish sailboats are fun, affordable, and simple to learn. Sunfish sailboats are fun, affordable and simple to learn. A Sunfish sailboat is a great way to get started in sailing. They're easy to store and transport, so you can take them with you on vacation or keep them at home for weekend sailing. The design is also very forgiving if you make mistakes while learning how to sail-you don ...

  18. United States Sunfish Class Association

    About United States Sunfish Class Association. The International Sunfish Class Association is the governing body of Sunfish racers everywhere. The Sunfish Class offers diversity unmatched by any one-design racer. Young, old, short, tall, big, small, man, woman, world-class or just learning, we are a welcome and opening group of people who love ...

  19. SunFish sailboats for sale by owner.

    SunFish preowned sailboats for sale by owner. SunFish used sailboats for sale by owner.

  20. Sunfish Sailboat

    The Sunfish is one of the most iconic recreational sailboats ever made. It's still the boat a lot of adults remember having their first sailing experiences on. The Sunfish hasn't changed much ...

  21. Sunfish Sailboat Marketplace

    Sunfish Sailing Class buy, sell, and trade group! List only sunfish sailboat and related items for sale.

  22. Sunfish

    Sunfish is a 13′ 10″ / 4.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger/Carl Meinart and built by AMF Corp., Alcort, Pearson Yachts, and LaserPerformance starting in 1952.

  23. Sailing Sunfish Sailboats for sale

    Get the best deals on Sailing Sunfish Sailboats when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices.