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Dinghy

P Class

dinghy

A short, single-handed New Zealand trainer from 1921 that has taught generations of Kiwi sailors, including a fair few Olympians, to sail well.

LOA
2.3
M
YEAR DESIGNED
1921
DESIGNER
Harry Highet
One-Design Sails

Sails For This Class

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Technical Data

Specifications

LOA
2.3
M
Beam
1.1
M
Draft
0.46
M
Hull Weight
39
KG
Crew Min
1
Crew Max
1
Year Designed
1921
Mainsail Area
4.18
M²
Jib Area
0
M²
Spinnaker Area
0
M²
Class Profile

Class Facts & History

Category
Dinghy
Type
dinghy
Designer
Harry Highet
Class Association
P Class New Zealand

History

Civil engineer Harry Highet designed the P Class in and around 1920 while living in Tauranga, and it was originally known as the Tauranga Class. Construction moved from solid timber to plywood in 1956 and fibreglass in 1975, and an Inter-Provincial Competition has run almost continuously since 1940.

Sailing Characteristics

Her short length makes her twitchy downwind in a chop, with a real tendency to nose-dive if you get lazy, which is exactly why so many strong New Zealand sailors learned their boat handling in a P Class. Watertight buoyancy compartments mean she floats high after a capsize, so young sailors get back sailing fast.

Racing Context

P Class fleets race out of clubs the length of New Zealand, with the Tanner Cup and Tauranga Cup among the class's long-running trophies and P Class New Zealand coordinating the national calendar.

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