Designed and built by Des Townson beginning in 1956, this compact centerboard dinghy represents classic small boat sailing at its finest. With its cat-rigged Marconi sail plan and lightweight 126-pound displacement, the Zephyr Dinghy offers an ideal platform for learning the fundamentals of sailing or enjoying leisurely day sails in protected waters. The boat's 12.80-foot length and generous 4.76-foot beam provide surprising stability for such a small craft, while the centerboard configuration allows for easy launching from beaches and exploration of shallow waters. Its wood and fiberglass construction reflects the transitional building methods of the late 1950s, combining traditional craftsmanship with emerging materials technology. With 210 boats built over its production run, the Zephyr Dinghy earned a reputation as a reliable trainer and recreational sailor. The simple cat rig eliminates the complexity of a jib, making it particularly well-suited for single-handed sailing or instruction. The boat's 75 square feet of sail area and favorable sail area-to-displacement ratio of 47.77 ensure lively performance in moderate conditions, while the capsize screening formula of 3.8 indicates appropriate stability for coastal sailing in suitable weather conditions.
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What is the Zephyr Dinghy's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Zephyr Dinghy has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 47.77. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Zephyr Dinghy's comfort ratio?
The Zephyr Dinghy has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.11. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
What is the hull speed of the Zephyr Dinghy?
The theoretical hull speed of the Zephyr Dinghy is 4.42 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Zephyr Dinghy weigh?
The Zephyr Dinghy has a displacement of 126.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 12.80 ft.
Who designed the Zephyr Dinghy?
The Zephyr Dinghy was designed by Des Townson, first built in 1956.