Designed by Italian brothers Ernesto and Mario Quaranta in 1965, this compact centerboard dinghy represents classic European small boat design philosophy. Built by Sibma Naval Italiana with wood and fiberglass construction, approximately 200 hulls were produced during the boat's production run. At just over 13 feet overall, the Tipsy delivers impressive performance for its size through thoughtful proportions and a fractional sloop rig. The substantial sail area relative to displacement creates spirited sailing characteristics, while the centerboard configuration allows for shallow water exploration and easy trailering. Despite its diminutive size, the boat maintains seaworthy qualities with reasonable beam and a hull speed approaching 5 knots. This design excels as a single-handed daysailer or training boat for protected waters and coastal sailing. The Tipsy's combination of Italian craftsmanship and practical layout makes it well-suited for sailors seeking an authentic small boat experience. Its modest displacement keeps it responsive in light airs, while the fractional rig provides manageable sail handling. The boat's low comfort ratio reflects its purpose as a performance-oriented dinghy rather than a cruising vessel, making it ideal for sailors who prioritize sailing purity over accommodations.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Tipsy's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Tipsy has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 59.71. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Tipsy's comfort ratio?
The Tipsy has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.17. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Tipsy safe for offshore sailing?
The Tipsy has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.72. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Tipsy?
The theoretical hull speed of the Tipsy is 4.66 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Tipsy weigh?
The Tipsy has a displacement of 143.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 13.02 ft.
Who designed the Tipsy?
The Tipsy was designed by Ernesto & Mario Quaranta, first built in 1965.