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Sailboat Specifications

Dart Dinghy

Cat (Unstayed) · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Trevor Kirby · Built by Kirby Marine (Uk) · First built 1965

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LOA 14.01 ft  ·  Beam 4.99 ft  ·  Displacement 200.62 lb  ·  Sail Area 100.10 ft²  ·  Cat (Unstayed)  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the Dart Dinghy Sailboat

Designed by Trevor Kirby and first launched in 1965, this compact British dinghy has earned a reputation as an excellent training and recreational sailing craft. Built by Kirby Marine UK using GRP construction, the Dart features a straightforward cat rig with an unstayed mast that makes it particularly appealing to novice sailors and sailing schools. At just over 14 feet in length with a 5-foot beam, the Dart strikes an ideal balance between stability and performance. Its centerboard configuration allows for easy launching from beaches and shallow waters, while the 200-pound displacement keeps the boat light enough for car-topping yet substantial enough to handle moderate conditions. The generous sail area of 100 square feet provides spirited performance in light to moderate winds. The Dart's capsize screening formula of 3.41 indicates good stability characteristics for a small dinghy, making it well-suited for coastal day sailing, sailing instruction, and club racing. Its simple rigging and forgiving handling characteristics have made it a popular choice for youth programs and adult learn-to-sail courses throughout the UK and beyond. This versatile dinghy excels in protected waters, harbors, and coastal areas where its responsive handling and straightforward operation can be fully appreciated by sailors of all experience levels.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 14.01 ft / 4.27 m
Beam 4.99 ft / 1.52 m
Max Draft 2.00 ft / 0.61 m
Displacement 200.62 lb / 91 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 100.10 ft² / 9.30 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction GRP
Designer Trevor Kirby
Builder Kirby Marine (UK)
First Built 1965
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dart Dinghy's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Dart Dinghy has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 46.77. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Dart Dinghy's comfort ratio?

The Dart Dinghy has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.89. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Dart Dinghy safe for offshore sailing?

The Dart Dinghy has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.41. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Dart Dinghy?

The theoretical hull speed of the Dart Dinghy is 4.62 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Dart Dinghy weigh?

The Dart Dinghy has a displacement of 200.62 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 14.01 ft.

Who designed the Dart Dinghy?

The Dart Dinghy was designed by Trevor Kirby, first built in 1965.