sunfish sailboat history

How the Most Popular Sailboat Ever Was Invented

The Sunfish taught millions of Americans to seize the breeze

Kate Wheeling

It's the platonic ideal of the sailboat, unmistakable in lakes and coastal waters across the country, with its colorful, equilateral triangle sail pulled taut in the summer breeze. It’s also the most popular sailboat ever made, with more than half a million built since the first launch in 1952.

The design of the Sunfish came from Cortlandt Heyniger and Alex Bryan, friends whose company, Alcort, was building a rescue paddleboard for the Red Cross. On a whim, Bryan added a simple sail to the wooden board to create a basic but elegant sailboat. As legend holds, his wife, Aileen Bryan—née Shields, a sailing scion and racing champion—tried sailing the craft and wanted a little more room to maneuver, as she was then pregnant. So Alcort’s first employee, Carl Meinert, designed a cockpit for the Sunfish, drawing the first mock-up in dust on the floor of Alcort’s woodshop in Waterbury, Connecticut. The first Sunfish was built in the early 1950s.

The first models were wood and measured just under 14 feet long. They sold for less than $200—roughly $2,200 in today’s dollars—and could be launched right from the beach without a dock, making the Sunfish an accessible and affordable fixture at vacation houses across the United States.

The Sunfish also opened up the world of sailboat racing to those who could not afford yachts and club memberships: 1963 saw the first North American championship for Sunfish racers, and the first Sunfish World Championship was held in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1970. The boat’s simplicity meant winning was truly a testament to one’s skills; as one Sunfish dealer told the New York Times in 1970, “Racing one puts a lot on the man.” Or woman, adds Lee Parks, a two-time winner of the women’s North American national championship: “Unlike some other classes, the Sunfish class is male and female. It’s multigenerational. Anybody can sail them.” In 1977, Fortune magazine named the boat one of America’s 25 best-designed products. The Sunfish designers were inducted into the Sailing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Sunfish enthusiasts, whether casual sailors or serious racers, are known for their sportsmanship. According to Parks, “Every event you go to is like a family reunion.”

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Kate Wheeling is a former staff writer at Pacific Standard .

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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.

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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The Sunfish: A Perfect Lake or Urban Sailboat

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Hailed as "the most popular sailboat ever built," the Sunfish is still going strong after more than fifty years. Its popularity is partly due to its low price and easy portability, but it also sails well and is a lot of fun for both beginners and experienced sailors alike. This is a daysailer for active sailing, as it's mostly a single-handed boat. You're likely to get wet unless the water is flat and the wind is light, but for sheer fun and ease of sailing, the Sunfish is terrific. As long as you remember to move your body (the ballast) when you tack and gybe , you can't go wrong with a Sunfish.

The Pros and Cons

• Very easy to rig and sail with a single control line (mainsheet)
• Virtually the only car-top sailboat
• Fast planing sailboat in good wind
• Kick-up rudder and daggerboard allow easy beaching
• Widely available and inexpensive as a used sailboat
• Holds only one full-size adult (or an adult and child - or two teens)
• Tiny cockpit and little freeboard makes for wet sailing
• Not as much a racer as a Laser
• Easily capsized by a beginner

Description

• Length overall: 13 feet 9 inches
• Beam: 4 feet 1 inch
• Draft: daggerboard up: 6-8 inches - adjustable down to 35 inches
• Empty hull weight: 120 lbs.
• Sail area: 75 sq. ft.
• The cockpit is self-bailing with the boat moving
• The lateen sail automatically spills wind when a gust hits
• Races in International Sunfish Class

Replacement parts widely available at dealers and online

• MSRP $4220, or in good condition for a few hundred used

A Perfect Lake or Urban Sailboat

First sold as a wooden boat and do-it-yourself kit, the original fiberglass Sunfish introduced in 1960 has not changed much in the half-century since. Over 300,000 have been built by seven manufacturers over the years, a phenomenal number for any boat. The stable hard-chine hull design and lateen sail rig remain the same and are integral to the boat's success. The lateen sail, compared to the taller Bermuda rig used on most modern sailboats, keeps the force of the wind low and causes less heeling. Another advantage is when a gust strikes, the lateen rig's mechanics allow some wind to spill, reducing the risk of capsizing. While racers prefer never to sacrifice any wind, and consequently many have gone to a Laser or a Super Sunfish (same hull but a Bermuda rig), the traditional Sunfish with lateen sail remains popular and sails well downwind and in light air.

It Stands up Well

While there have been some variations among Sunfish built by the different manufacturers over the decades, the hull has remained rugged and stands up well to abuse. It's not surprising to find a twenty or thirty-year-old Sunfish still in good shape regardless of scratches and dings in the fiberglass. Neophytes are sometimes surprised by the boat's buoyancy and stability, given its thin body profile. With a hollow body and small cockpit, however, the Sunfish floats high and is unsinkable when capsized. With the daggerboard in place, it can be righted fairly easily after a capsize once you learn how .

Responsive to Direction and Wind Changes

A key advantage of the Sunfish, its portability, is a limitation for some. While two small adults or teens can sail together, this is not a boat for social conversation or a quiet, meditative picnic on the water. Rather, a  Hunter 140 or similar daysailer is more comfortable for two or three crew. Since the boat is so responsive to direction and wind changes, and to steering changes and the position of body weight, you need to pay attention to what you're doing at all times.

Except when things are fairly calm, it's not a good idea to cleat down the main sheet, as you want to be able to quickly let the sail out in a strong gust. With one hand on the sheet and the other on the tiller, and ducking below the boom while shifting your weight side to side every tack and gybe, you're kept busy, but that also makes for a more intense sailing experience.

A Great Boat to Stow Away

Overall, this is a great boat to keep at a lake, stow away in your garage or car-top to a nearby bay for an afternoon's great fun. Once you've learned the basics of sailing , anyone can sail a Sunfish. When the wind is good, even the pros can have fun zipping about over the water. If you eventually feel you want a faster, more exciting boat of the same size, consider a Laser.

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The Sunfish Bible

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Three books in one:

• THE SUNFISH BOOK  (1996) by Will White
• SUCCESSFUL SUNFISH RACING  (1984) by Derrick Fries
• SAIL IT FLAT  (1971) by Larry Lewis

The major Sunfish articles since 1965 from Sailing World, Yacht Racing/Cruising, One Design Yachtsman, Motor Boating & Sailing, and SAIL.

Everything you wanted to know about Sunfish… 

sailing them, sailing them well, sailing them fast, racing them, cruising them, rowing them, and having fun!

The Sunfish Book includes the original interviews with many champions: Mike Catalano, Dave Chapin, Derrick Fries, Joel Furman, Paul Odegaard, Nat Philbrick, Cor van Aanholt and new ones with Don and Jean Bergman, Eduardo Cordero, Jeff Linton, Donnie Martinborough, and Malcolm Smith.

Includes articles by John Burnham, Larry Cochran, Major Hall, Gary Jobson, Bob Johnstone, Scott Kyle, Tom Linskey, Bob Smith, Brian Weeks and more.

Available online through several vendors on  Amazon.com

Chris McLellan, Sunfish Bible Sales Coordinator 

www.sunfishdirect/

(810) 671-3365 EMAIL

International Sunfish Class Association

8070 Willow Tree Way, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

[email protected]   +1 404-451-7743

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Sunfish Sail Dinghy Reborn

• By Chad Gillis
• Updated: April 27, 2021

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.”

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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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

Photo Credit:

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)

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Beginner’s Guide: Learn How to Sail a Sunfish Sailboat Effortlessly

Alex Morgan

The Sunfish sailboat is a popular choice for recreational sailing enthusiasts. Its simplicity and maneuverability make it an ideal vessel for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Before setting sail, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various parts of the Sunfish sailboat. These include the hull, mast, boom, daggerboard, rudder, and sail. Understanding how these components interact and function will greatly enhance your sailing experience.

Once you are comfortable with the basics, it is time to prepare for your sailing adventure. This involves checking the weather conditions, ensuring you have the necessary safety equipment, and properly rigging the sailboat. Launching the sailboat into the water is the next step, and once afloat, you are ready to start navigating the waters.

To effectively sail a Sunfish, it is essential to learn and practice basic sailing techniques. This includes steering the boat, tacking (changing direction by turning the bow through the wind), jibing (changing direction with the wind behind), and adjusting the sail trim to optimize speed and control.

For those looking to enhance their sailing skills, advanced techniques such as hiking (leaning out to counterbalance the wind force), capsize and recovery procedures, and more can be explored.

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience requires being mindful of safety precautions, such as wearing a life jacket, staying aware of your surroundings, and maintaining proper boat maintenance. Following these tips will help you make the most out of your Sunfish sailboat adventures.

Key takeaway:

• Sailing a Sunfish sailboat maximizes enjoyment: Sunfish sailboats are designed for a thrilling sailing experience, allowing sailors to have fun on the water.
• Being prepared is crucial for safe sailing: Checking the weather, having proper safety equipment, and correctly rigging and launching the sailboat are essential steps to ensure a safe sailing experience.
• Mastering basic and advanced sailing techniques improves performance: Learning how to steer, tack, jibe, and adjust sail trim will enhance control and maneuverability. Advanced techniques like hiking and capsize recovery will further enhance sailing skills.

Parts of a Sunfish Sailboat

When it comes to sailing a Sunfish sailboat , knowing the different parts is crucial. In this section, we’ll dive into the various components that make up a Sunfish sailboat. From the hull to the mast , boom , daggerboard , rudder , and sail , we’ll explore each sub-section and uncover the importance of these elements in maneuvering and harnessing the wind’s power. So, gear up and get ready to gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential parts that allow you to navigate the waters with grace and skill.

The hull of a Sunfish sailboat is essential for stability and buoyancy. It is made of lightweight fiberglass, allowing the boat to glide smoothly through the water. The sleek shape of the hull reduces drag and increases speed.

The hull includes the deck , cockpit , and hull bottom . The deck is the upper part of the hull for sitting or standing. The cockpit is sunken where the sailor controls the boat. The hull bottom is the curved section that contacts the water.

The hull is carefully designed for optimal performance. It is responsive and maneuverable, allowing sailors to navigate different sailing conditions easily. The hull of a Sunfish sailboat is self-bailing, efficiently draining any water that enters the cockpit .

Fun fact: The Sunfish sailboat is a popular recreational sailboat worldwide since its design in 1952. Its simple design and ease of use make it a favorite among sailors of all ages and skill levels.

The mast is an essential component of a Sunfish sailboat. It acts as the support for the sail, and it is crucial to understand some facts about the mast.

It is constructed using either aluminum or fiberglass , providing it with the necessary strength and durability. To ensure stability and proper positioning, the mast is securely attached to the sailboat’s hull using a mast step. Standing tall at around 17 feet, the mast extends vertically from the deck. One notable feature of the mast is the boom , which is affixed to hold the sail’s lower edge, allowing for better control. During sailing, the mast plays a vital role in capturing the wind and propelling the boat forward. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain the mast to keep it in excellent condition. A key aspect of this maintenance is proper rigging, which ensures a secure attachment and alignment.

In a sailing race, a Sunfish sailboat encountered strong winds that resulted in the mast breaking in half. The sailor swiftly responded by releasing the sail and retrieving the broken pieces from the water. With the assistance of fellow sailors, a replacement mast was quickly obtained, enabling the sailor to regain strength and finish the race. This incident underlines the significance of a sturdy mast and showcases the resilience of sailors when faced with unforeseen circumstances.

The boom is an integral part of a Sunfish sailboat. It is a horizontal pole that extends from the mast and holds the lower edge of the sail. The boom effectively controls the shape of the sail and the speed of the boat.

One crucial function of the boom is to attach the mainsheet , which is utilized to command the sail. By adjusting the tension of the mainsheet, the sailor has the ability to regulate the angle and position of the boom , thereby governing the power and direction of the sail.

The boom is conveniently adjustable, enabling the sailor to modify the shape of the sail based on the wind conditions. By raising or lowering the boom , the sail can be tightened or loosened, optimizing its performance.

It is important to handle the boom with caution in order to prevent accidents. Always remain aware of the position of the boom while sailing and avoid getting hit. Properly securing the boom when the sailboat is not in use is crucial to prevent swinging and potential damage.

Daggerboard

The daggerboard, a fin-like structure located in the center of the hull, plays a crucial role in controlling the direction and stability of a Sunfish sailboat. Its primary function is to provide lateral resistance that counteracts the force of the wind on the sail, preventing drifting and maintaining the boat’s course.

Typically made of durable and lightweight materials such as fiberglass or wood , the daggerboard ensures strength while remaining easy to handle. It can also be adjusted in height, depending on the sailing conditions. Lowering it maximizes resistance in lighter winds, while partially raising it reduces resistance in heavier winds and increases speed.

To position the daggerboard, it is inserted into a slot in the center of the hull and extends beneath the boat into the water. A rope or line attached to a handle at the top allows for easy adjustment of its position. Regularly inspecting the daggerboard for damage or wear is essential, as it directly affects the boat’s performance. Always secure the daggerboard before sailing to prevent accidents or loss of control.

Proper understanding and effective use of the daggerboard will greatly enhance your sailing experience, allowing for smooth navigation in various weather conditions.

The rudder is a vital component of a Sunfish sailboat , situated at the stern. It is a vertical flat plate connected to the hull with a pivot point. The sailor manages the rudder with a tiller , a lengthy handle used to alter the boat’s direction.

The rudder provides stability and balance, counteracting the force of the wind on the sails. It assists in maintaining the boat’s course and prevents veering off track. When sailing straight, the rudder should be aligned with the boat’s keel .

Throughout maneuvers, the sailor adjusts the rudder to steer in the desired direction. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure proper functioning. Adequate control and coordination of the rudder are essential for safe and effective navigation.

Understanding rudder operation and practicing proper rudder control are critical for Sunfish sailboat sailors.

The sail is crucial for a Sunfish sailboat. It harnesses the wind’s power to propel the boat. The sail is made of durable and lightweight fabric, designed to withstand the forces of the wind. It attaches to the mast and boom, which provide structure and stability.

To control the sail, sailors use ropes known as the halyard, mainsheet, and boomvang. By adjusting these ropes, sailors can control the sail’s angle and tension, maximizing speed and maneuverability.

Proper sail trim is essential for efficient sailing. A smoothly shaped sail, without wrinkles or creases, captures the maximum amount of wind for power and speed.

Sailors should regularly inspect their sail for wear or damage. Tears or holes can significantly impact performance and should be promptly repaired. Storing the sail in a dry and protected area when not in use will prolong its lifespan.

Sail history: Sails have been used for propulsion for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Phoenicians. Sail designs have evolved with advancements in materials and technology. Today, sailboats come in various sizes and types, each with a unique sail configuration. From the Sunfish sailboat to larger racing yachts, the sail remains integral, allowing humans to harness the wind’s power and embark on incredible voyages across the seas.

Preparing for Sailing

Before embarking on a thrilling adventure of sailing a Sunfish Sailboat, it is crucial to properly prepare. In this section, we will dive into the essential steps of preparing for a successful sail. From checking the weather conditions to ensuring the presence of necessary safety equipment, we will cover all the pre-sailing essentials. We’ll explore the process of rigging the sailboat and launching it into the open waters. Get ready to set sail with confidence and enjoy a seamless experience on your Sunfish Sailboat !

Checking the Weather

Before sailing on a Sunfish sailboat, it is crucial to check the weather. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Instead of using modal verbs, make factual assertions when checking the weather.

Start by reviewing the local weather forecast, including wind speed and direction, and potential storms or adverse conditions. Look for numerical details like the percentage chance of rain or wind speed in knots.

Also, observe the current weather conditions on the sailing day. Pay attention to the sky, clouds, and wind patterns. Clear sky and steady breeze are generally ideal, while dark clouds or strong gusts may indicate unfavorable conditions.

Understanding the weather will help you make an informed decision on whether it is safe to go sailing. If there are signs of thunderstorms, high winds, or dangerous weather conditions, it is best to postpone the sail.

True story: I once neglected to check the weather before sailing on my Sunfish sailboat. The sky unexpectedly turned dark, and the wind rapidly picked up. Within minutes, a thunderstorm approached, and I found myself in a precarious situation. The wind became too strong, and I struggled to control the boat. Thankfully, I managed to reach the shore safely, but it was a valuable lesson on the importance of checking the weather before sailing. Now, I always check the forecast and evaluate current conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is essential for sailing a Sunfish sailboat to protect the crew. To ensure a safe sailing experience, it is crucial to have the following safety equipment on board:

Life jackets: Each person on board needs a properly fitted and Coast Guard-approved life jacket. These life jackets keep individuals afloat and buoyant in the water.

Personal flotation devices (PFDs): In addition to life jackets, it is recommended to have readily available PFDs. These PFDs provide additional flotation and can serve as a backup in emergencies.

Whistle or air horn: A whistle or air horn is a valuable signaling device for emergencies or when assistance is required.

Throwable flotation device: It is important to have a throwable flotation device, such as a cushion or ring buoy, for assistance if someone falls overboard.

First aid kit: Accidents can occur on the water, so it is essential to keep a well-stocked and easily accessible first aid kit. This kit should include bandages, disinfectant, antiseptic cream, and necessary medication.

Bailer or bilge pump: Utilize a bailer or bilge pump to remove excess water from the boat and maintain buoyancy.

Anchor and line: In emergencies or to prevent drifting, have an anchor and line to secure the sailboat.

Navigation lights: If sailing at night or in low-light conditions, it is necessary to use navigation lights for visibility and to comply with marine regulations.

Emergency distress signals: Carry a distress signal kit with flares or other approved signaling devices to attract attention in a distress situation.

Always remember, having the proper safety equipment and knowing how to use it can significantly impact the safety of your sailing experience.

Rigging the Sailboat

Rigging the Sunfish sailboat involves the following steps:

– Attach the mast to the mast step on the boat’s deck.

– Connect the boom to the mast and secure it with a boom vang.

– Slide the daggerboard into the daggerboard trunk and secure it.

– Attach the rudder to the rudder gudgeons at the back of the boat.

– Raise the sail by attaching the halyard to the head of the sail and hoisting it up the mast.

– Attach the tack of the sail to the tack hook on the bow of the boat.

– Secure the clew of the sail to the boom using the mainsheet.

– Adjust the sail trim by tightening or loosening the mainsheet and the boom vang.

Before setting sail, make sure to check all fittings and ropes for proper tension and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to pay attention to the details and ensure everything is properly secured for a safe and enjoyable sailing experience. Regularly inspect and maintain your rigging equipment to prevent any issues while on the water.

Launching the Sailboat

Launching the sailboat is an important step. Here is a guide to help you successfully launch your Sunfish sailboat.

1. Prepare your sailboat by checking for all required equipment.

2. Attach the rudder to the stern of the boat securely.

3. Attach the daggerboard to the centerboard trunk fully.

4. Rig the sail by attaching the halyard to the head of the sail and hoisting it up the mast.

5. Attach the boom to the gooseneck on the mast and secure it with the boom vang.

6. Ensure all lines and fittings are properly secured and adjusted.

7. Push the sailboat into the water, ensuring the rudder and daggerboard are down.

8. Launch the sailboat by pushing off from the shore or using a launching ramp.

9. Once in the water, hop into the boat and position yourself in the cockpit.

10. Raise the daggerboard and rudder to desired positions for sailing.

11. Safely board the sailboat and prepare for sailing by positioning yourself comfortably.

Launching the sailboat can be an exciting experience. I remember the first time I launched my Sunfish sailboat on a calm summer day. As soon as the boat hit the water, I could feel the gentle rocking motion beneath me. With the wind in my sails and the sun on my face, I experienced a sense of freedom and adventure. Launching the sailboat was the start of an amazing day on the water, filled with the thrill of sailing and the beauty of nature surrounding me. It was a memorable experience that ignited my passion for sailing. So, get out there, launch your sailboat, and embark on your unforgettable sailing journey!

Basic Sailing Techniques

When it comes to sailing a Sunfish sailboat, mastering the basic sailing techniques is key . In this section, we will dive into the essential skills you need to navigate the waters with confidence . From steering to tacking , jibing , and adjusting sail trim , we’ll explore each sub-section to equip you with the knowledge and expertise to handle your Sunfish sailboat like a pro . So grab your life jacket and let’s set sail into the world of basic sailing techniques!

Steering a Sunfish sailboat involves understanding the techniques and principles.

Control the steering by using the tiller connected to the rudder at the stern of the boat.

To turn left, push the tiller to the right. To turn right, push the tiller to the left.

Small adjustments to the tiller create subtle changes in direction, while larger movements lead to sharper turns.

Consider the wind direction and force , as they will affect the boat’s steering. Adjustments may be necessary in different wind conditions.

Suggestions to improve steering skills:

Practice regularly in different wind conditions to become more familiar with how the boat responds to your steering.

Experiment with different tiller angles to find the most effective control for your sailing style .

Learn from experienced sailors and apply their techniques in your own sailing.

Develop balance and body positioning to maintain stability while steering the boat.

Continuously assess and adjust your steering to maintain a straight course or navigate turns smoothly.

Tacking is a sailing technique used to change direction when sailing against the wind. It involves turning the sailboat’s bow through the wind, allowing the sail to fill on the opposite side. To execute a successful tack , follow these steps:

1. Steer the sailboat upwind with the wind coming from either side.

2. Release the main sheet to slacken the sail as you initiate the turn.

3. As the bow starts to turn, quickly move to the opposite side of the sailboat.

4. Once on the opposite side, pull in the main sheet to trim the sail to its new position.

5. Steer the sailboat through the wind, maintaining control and avoiding excessive tilting or capsizing.

6. Once the sail starts to fill on the opposite side, the tack is complete, and you can resume your desired course.

Tacking allows for efficient upwind sailing by effectively utilizing the power of the wind. It is crucial for navigating tight or narrow sailing areas. Practice and develop your tacking skills to become a proficient sailor.

is a crucial sailing technique to change direction when sailing downwind. It involves turning the boat’s stern through the wind, switching the sail to the opposite side. To jibe successfully, follow these steps:

1. Prepare for the jibe by releasing the mainsheet slightly to ease sail tension.

2. Gradually steer the boat downwind as it approaches the downwind course.

3. Once on a downwind course, quickly steer the boat further downwind while pulling in the mainsheet to bring the sail across the boat.

4. Be ready for the boom to swing across rapidly as the sail crosses over. Keep your head down and weight centered for balance.

5. Adjust the mainsheet tension to trim the sail properly for the new downwind course.

Jibing can be thrilling but demands careful execution. Maintain control of the boat and be aware of surroundings to prevent collisions or capsizing.

Fact : Jibing can be challenging in strong winds, requiring precise timing and coordination to control sail and boat smoothly. Practice and experience are key to mastering this maneuver.

Adjusting Sail Trim

• Identify the wind direction by observing flag movement or ripples on the water.
• Adjust sail trim by tightening or loosening the mainsheet. Tighten it for upwind sailing and loosen it for downwind sailing.
• Check the sail’s shape for wrinkles or flapping, and make necessary adjustments.
• Pay attention to the sail’s angle in relation to the wind ( angle of attack ) as it affects the boat’s speed and direction. Adjust trim to achieve the desired angle.
• Maintain proper balance between the boat’s hull and sail by adjusting sail trim if needed.
• Continuously reassess and fine-tune sail trim as conditions change to optimize performance.

Advanced Sailing Techniques

Mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish sailboat requires more than just basic skills. In the exciting realm of advanced sailing techniques , we will uncover the secrets behind two crucial sub-sections: hiking and capsize recovery . Get ready to discover how leveraging the power of hiking , along with the essential knowledge of capsize recovery , can catapult your Sunfish sailing prowess to new heights. So, grab your life jacket and prepare to dive into the thrilling world of advanced sailing techniques !

Hiking on a Sunfish sailboat

is a technique that allows the sailor to balance the boat and increase speed. It involves leaning out over the side of the boat to counterbalance the force of the wind in the sail. Hiking is important in strong winds and prevents the boat from tipping over.

To hike effectively, the sailor should position themselves on the windward side of the boat with their feet facing towards the centerline. By extending their body weight out over the side and holding onto the hiking strap or hiking stick, the sailor can maintain stability and control.

Hiking increases boat speed and improves the sailor’s ability to steer and maintain control. By shifting weight and adjusting body position, the sailor can react to changes in wind and wave conditions.

Note that hiking requires strength and endurance. Sailors should build up their hiking muscles through practice and conditioning. Wearing appropriate hiking gear, such as hiking boots and a hiking harness, provides added support and comfort during long sailing sessions.

Capsize and Recovery

Stay calm if your Sunfish sailboat capsizes. Hold onto the boat and wear a life jacket for safety.

During the capsize and recovery process, prioritize safety for yourself and others. Assess the situation and act accordingly.

Attempt to right the boat by pushing down on the centerboard with your weight while pulling on the daggerboard handle or the hiking strap attached to the top of the mast.

If the boat does not immediately right itself, move to the side pointing towards the sky to help it turn back upright.

If you can’t right the boat on your own, wave your arms or shout for help to attract the attention of other sailors or authorities nearby.

Once the boat is upright, ensure all equipment is secure and functioning properly before proceeding.

Practice capsize and recovery drills in controlled environments to improve skills and confidence in managing such situations. Happy sailing!

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Sailing

When sailing, it is important to prioritize safety and enjoy the experience. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

– Prepare by checking the weather, tides, and wind speed. It is crucial to be well-informed about these factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing trip.

– Wear a well-fitting life jacket for safety. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, a life jacket can be a lifesaver.

– Familiarize yourself with the sailboat’s controls and rigging. Knowing how to operate the sailboat properly is essential for a smooth and safe sailing experience.

– Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, including other boats and changing weather conditions. Being observant is necessary to avoid any potential dangers or collisions.

– Communicate effectively with your crew using clear commands and signals. Good communication is vital for coordinating actions and ensuring everyone’s safety.

– Follow navigational rules and be respectful of other boaters and wildlife. Respecting the rules and the environment is crucial for the safety and enjoyment of everyone on the water.

– Watch out for potential hazards in the water, like rocks or shallow areas. Being vigilant and avoiding such hazards can prevent accidents or damage to the sailboat.

– Adjust your speed according to the conditions and avoid unnecessary risks. Adapting to the situation and avoiding reckless behavior is important for a safe sailing experience.

– Maintain stability and balance by distributing weight properly on the boat. Proper weight distribution is essential for the stability and maneuverability of the sailboat.

– Take breaks and stay hydrated during longer trips. It is important to rest and stay hydrated to ensure your well-being and concentration while sailing.

– Lastly, enjoy the experience while always prioritizing safety. Sailing can be a thrilling and enjoyable experience, but safety should always be the top priority.

Some Facts About How To Sail A Sunfish Sailboat:

• ✅ The Sunfish is a small, one-person single sail boat that is popular for sailing at summer camps.
• ✅ It was developed by Alcort, Inc. and first appeared around 1952.
• ✅ The Sunfish has a wide beam for stability, increased freeboard, and a foot-well for a comfortable sailing position.
• ✅ It started as a wood hull design and later progressed to fiberglass construction.
• ✅ The Sunfish is easy to learn to sail due to its simple two line rigging and crab claw sail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i set up a sunfish sailboat.

To set up a Sunfish sailboat, first, make sure to attach the sail to the mast using the halyard. Then, insert the mast into the mast step on the deck of the boat. Next, attach the boom to the mast and secure it with the gooseneck. Insert the center board into the trunk and attach the rudder. Your Sunfish sailboat is now ready to sail!

What is the purpose of a stopper knot on a Sunfish sailboat?

A stopper knot is used on the halyard of a Sunfish sailboat to prevent it from pulling out while on the water. This knot is tied in the tail of the halyard at the clove hitch on the gaff or top boom. The stopper knot ensures that the sail remains secure, allowing for a smoother and safer sailing experience.

Where can I learn to sail a Sunfish sailboat?

You can learn to sail a Sunfish sailboat through various methods. You can watch YouTube videos that provide step-by-step instructions on sailing techniques and rigging. Another option is to take a sailing class offered by local recreation departments, especially during the summer. US Sailing’s website is also a helpful resource to find sailing classes in your area.

What are some tips for balancing the forces on a Sunfish sailboat?

Balancing the forces on a Sunfish sailboat is crucial for maximum speed and control. To achieve this, you can adjust the sail’s center of effort by moving it in relation to the hull. Lowering the sail on the mast helps reduce heeling and allows for better control by hiking out. Adjusting the gooseneck on the boom moves the sail forward and reduces weather helm, improving control. Other controls such as the vang, outhaul, and cunningham can further tweak the sail’s center of effort and de-power the sail.

What makes a Sunfish sailboat suitable for both kids and adults?

A Sunfish sailboat is suitable for both kids and adults due to its relatively light weight and easy maneuverability. It has a wide beam, increased freeboard, and a foot-well, providing a comfortable sailing position. These features, along with the simple two-line rigging and crab claw sail, make the Sunfish easy to learn to sail. Its versatility allows children and adults of various skill levels to enjoy sailing and have fun on the water.

Where can I find vacation homes for an Ocean Isle Beach summer beach vacation?

Ocean Isle Beach offers a great selection of vacation homes, from larger homes to condos, at affordable prices and with impressive customer service. You can make bookings for 2021 Ocean Isle Beach vacations by calling 800-727-9222. The website of the provided source, https://www.williamsonrealty.com, is a resource to explore various vacation home options and accommodations.

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From Issue   August 2019

S eventy years ago, LIFE put the Alcort company on the map when the magazine featured the Sailfish sailboat in an article titled “ World’s Wettest, Sportiest Boat ,” published in the August 15, 1949 issue. Two years earlier, Alcort had expanded their market from iceboats to the little Sailfish, a lateen-rigged wooden hull that measured just under 12′. The boat was easy to handle, affordable, and offered a sporty, splashy ride to America’s post-war market of recreational sailors.

In 1946, Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger had combined bits of their first names to create Alcort, Inc., and the first sailboat that they designed, in 1947, was the 11′ 7″ Sailfish, built in Waterbury, Connecticut. The Sailfish had a beam of 31-1/2″, a crew capacity of 300 lbs, and weighed 82 lbs. The volume of air enclosed by the hull and deck made the boat virtually unsinkable. A 65-square-foot lateen sail provided ample power.

The authors’ Super Sailfish, ZSA ZSA, is their restoration of a wooden boat built in the 1950s. Here, the varnished daggerboard rests just aft of its slot.

The boat gained immediate popularity after the LIFE article, and within a few years the original design was lengthened to 13′ 7″ and widened a bit to 35-1/2″. The larger Sailfish flew a 75-square-foot sail, weighed 102 lbs, and had a crew capacity of 400 lbs. The original Sailfish was then labeled the Standard Sailfish and the big sister named the Super Sailfish. Production of the two models of Sailfish was brisk, and in 1960 Alcort added a fiberglass version, the Super Sailfish MK II. The MK II hull was the same size as the Super Sailfish, had the same capacity of 400 lbs, and used the same rig, but weighed 98 lbs. Alcort was also producing the wooden Sunfish, which used the same sail rig, daggerboard, and rudder as the Super Sailfish line, and a fiberglass Sunfish with a longer daggerboard and taller transom.

The Alcort literature promised the Sailfish would deliver “thrilling speed, brilliant performance, perfect portability, and swamp-proof safety.” The hull, deck, and frames were made of marine plywood, with mahogany sides, transom, rudder, tiller, and daggerboard. Wilcox and Crittenden in nearby Middletown manufactured the bronze and brass fittings for all of the Alcort boats. The spars on the original Sailfish were cut from Sitka spruce, mid-generation masts were a hybrid aluminum base with wooden top, and spars from the late 1950s on were aluminum.

Alcort offered the Standard Sailfish, Super Sailfish, and Super Sailfish MK II as factory-built boats, and they sold precision-cut knockdown kits for a wooden Sailfish through the late ’50s through the mid-’60s. The Standard Sailfish was phased out in the mid-’60s and the Super Sailfish kit was last seen in the late ’60s. Along the way, a two-page set of plans was produced by Alcort with measurements and a materials list for the frames, hull, rudder, daggerboard, spars, and sail. Armed with the plans, an intrepid home builder could build the boat with locally sourced lumber and hardware. We had occasion recently to replace the bottom panels on a factory-built Super Sailfish, and while we had the panels off we validated the measurements in the plans, and all were within a 1/32″ with only one exception. The factory boat’s bow was swept up just under 1″, a design improvement that helped reduce submarining.

The handrails amidships have an important role as foot bracing to keep the sailor from sliding off the deck when the boat heels.

T he Sailfish kits came with all of the wood, hardware, sails, and line needed. Finishing kits with primer, putty, paint, and varnish could be purchased as well. Alcort provided eight pages of well-written instructions with 16 photos. The first two pages of the instructions contained a list of parts included in the kit with numbered photos. The hull was assembled upside down using the shipping crate as a strongback. The first step was to attach the 13′ 3-3/4″ deck longeron to the stem, the seven frames, maststep, daggerboard trunk, and transom. The parts were coated with a sealer, and then screwed together, and the deck was then temporarily attached to the skeleton frame and the solid-wood sides were screwed on, attached first to the stem and pulled into place on the transom with a rope windlass. The inner keel longeron was attached to the frames, and it and the sides were beveled to accept the plywood bottom panels. They were attached with glue and bronze ring-shank nails.

The assembly process was easy. Alcort advertised that it could be done over a weekend with a hammer, rasp, plane, screwdriver, handsaw, square, brace, drill, and bits. A jigsaw would be helpful for building a hull from plans.

The Sailfish delivers on Alcort’s promise of fun. We have sailed all of the models and have only capsized once when a sail caught a puff and the sheet pulled Skipper off the deck. The sheet had no fairlead or cleat, so it was either let go of the sheet or go for a short swim. One sailor joked that “the Sailfish was the boat that you learned to swim on.” The shallow-V hulls of the Super Sailfish and especially the Standard Sailfish with its 31-1/2″ beam, require more balance than the Sunfish. When sailing Sailfish, we tend to sit more amidships and hike out by laying backward at an angle, rather than perpendicular to the centerline. Handrails on the deck serve as foot braces to help maintain control of the boat while hands are busy with the sheet and tiller. Some of the models had a small toerail, which is also helpful for maintaining a grip on the flat, cockpitless deck. The sheet also works as a tether to help keep skippers aboard. Some of the Sailfish had nonskid on the deck, but it quickly wore out pants bottoms. One trick that we’ve come up for tacking is to lean backward instead of forward—while you’re wearing a PFD it is harder to bend forward on a Sailfish than on a Sunfish, which has a cockpit to tuck your legs and feet into.

The most recent versions of the spars and mast for the Sailfish were all aluminum.

The Sailfish 65-square-foot sail for the Standard and 75 for the Super are appropriately sized, neither too small to provide fun, even exciting sailing, nor so large as to be overpowering and leading to frequent capsizes. All of the models power up quickly. We’ve found that tacking is improved with a longer daggerboard, similar to the one found on the 1960s fiberglass Sunfish. The mast is easy to step and even kids as young as eight can raise the sail. Our Sailfish moves well even in the lightest of breeze; we enjoy the fingertip control on the tiller and setting coffee cups set on deck, without them sliding over the side. Once the breeze picks up to 5–8 knots, a little more activity is needed to balance the boat and get through tacks smoothly. At 10–12 knots we are moving quickly to stay on course and work the puffs, and above 12 knots we have sailed the Super Sailfish with two on board, one at the tiller and the other serving as movable ballast.

With the sailing rig left ashore, or even stowed on deck, the Super Sunfish serves nicely as a stand-up paddle board.

A lcort made a lot of promises with the Sailfish and delivered on all of them. We’ve even come up with a few more uses for the boats. The Sailfish, with its deck unbroken by a cockpit, makes a respectable stand-up paddleboard, and with a 400-lb capacity, it is well suited for larger paddlers or for an adult taking little crew members out paddling. The deeper hull design has a greater capacity than a normal paddleboard and makes for a very stable platform. The small keel strip helps the boat track straight under paddle power. We can paddle our MK II out in flat calm, and set sail if the wind picks up. I took the hull out once with a low-slung beach chair lashed to the handrails, and it made a fine sit-on-top kayak, a very useful fishing platform or picnic boat. We have also seen folks add outriggers and take their pets out for a ride with plenty of room for the whole pack.

Kent and Audrey Lewis blog about and maintain a fleet of vintage Alcorts that include a Standard Sailfish , Super Sailfish , Catfish and a wooden Sunfish, along with several fiberglass Sunfish. They also maintain the Yahoo group Sunfish Sailor and publish The Sunfish Owners Manual .

Sailfish Particulars

Length/11′ 7″

Weight/82 lbs

Capacity/300 lbs

Sail Area/65 sq. ft.

Super Sailfish Particulars

Length/ 13′ 7″

Weight/102 lbs

Capacity/400 lbs

Sail Area/75 sq. ft.

Super Sailfish with offsets

Super Sailfish parts

The kit assembly instructions can be found in the Files section of the Sunfish Sailor Yahoo group (after joining the group) and are very helpful when repairing wooden Sailfish, or for building a new Sailfish from the plans, found in the same Files. Sunfish sails and spars to fit the Super Sailfish can be ordered from Sunfish Direct . The Sunfish is manufactured in fiberglass by Laser Performance .

Is there a boat you’d like to know more about? Have you built one that you think other Small Boats Magazine readers would enjoy? Please email us!

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Comments (15)

Let’s build one FOUR times original size! What a hoot! May have to reduce sail area proportionally….just imagine the fun! Or take one to J boat size! Wow!

Great article. Love the video to see how it sailed. But most of all, really enjoyed reading the history behind the ubiquitous Sunfish, which I have sailed often over the years. The wooden Sailfish versions were before my time. Thank you.

We have a mini sunfish that we bought used in the 1980’s. It is a sturdy craft, and we have sailed it a lot over the years down here in the Florida Panhandle. I repainted it with Interlux fifteen years ago, and it still looks good. It seems to be indestructible. I am thinking of making a longer dagger board for her, after reading the excellent article in Small Boats . Anybody know where I can get a new handle?

It’s interesting how things come around.

Al and Cort first built the Sailfish as a paddleboard to go after swimmers as they were trying for a Red Cross contract. An enlarged surfboard if you will. Too expensive for the Red Cross. So what to do with it. Besides iceboats, Al and Cort were open canoe sailors, and presumably had some kit kicking around. Doesn’t take much to put the two together. The LIFE article came about by some kind of friend-of-a-friend-girlfriend relationship. Don’t remember the details. In today’s saturated world it is difficult to think of a media splash that would have the same impact as a multiple page spread in LIFE . Not so incidentally Al and Cort created the first fully self-rescuable sailing craft.

The Sunfish apparently happened when either Al’s or Cort’s wife became pregnant and found the Sailfish hard to sail.

And it is interesting to see that the Sailfish does work pretty well as a paddleboard!

I got mine as a 13th-birthday present from my grandmother, back in 1967, and sailed her on Cranberry Lake in NW New Jersey. My evil trick was to grab a gust, haul in, then climb over the side to stand on the daggerboard, dumping my crew in the middle of the lake. I could right her and be off again before they knew what was happening.

Nice useful information here. I just purchased an early ’70s MK II. Ready to start cleaning it up. Question: there is a small (3/8″ – 1/2″) hole located next to the bow handle on the deck. Any idea what it’s for? A drain of some type maybe? Any help would be appreciated.

The Alcort Sailfish and Sunfish featured in your current issue are wonderful boats! The underlying philosophy of fun, simplicity and low cost, coupled with ease of transport and storage, would have given access to sailing to many, many people who otherwise would never have had an experience of the sport.

The Australian Sailfish very quickly became popular at clubs on Port Phillip, and then spread rapidly through the eastern states of Australia and onto Papua New Guinea. An Australian Sailfish Class Owners Association was formed in 1961. National championships commenced in 1968 and were held annually thereafter.

Pleasingly however, there has been a wooden-boat renaissance in Australia over the past decade or so, and this has lead to a revival also of the Australian Sailfish. There have been fleets of ten to twenty Sailfish participating at wooden-boat regattas over the past few Australian summers. There have been new builds, plans have been distributed worldwide, and there have been three Australian Sailfish built in the past year in the USA in Florida, Wisconsin, and San Francisco. This revival has been promoted and reflected by an Australian Sailfish website, of which I am a co-administrator. Jack Carroll remains well and active at 90 years of age, and was in fact awarded with an Order of Australia in June this year for services to sailing.

In June this year, I was fortunate to attend the WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport, something I’ve wanted to do for many years. While there, I visited the museum’s small-boat collection. I was on a mission. Just inside the entrance was the Alcort Sunfish, racked up with its stablemate, the Laser. I went exploring further, and, to my delight, I found the Alcort Sailfish tucked away in a back corner of the collection. It was a thrill.

Several days later, by chance, I was able to hire a Sunfish on the beach at Chatham on Cape Cod, and sail it on the waters of Nantucket Sound. That was a great thrill!

I hope that this information might be of some interest to you. Thank you for your wonderful magazine.

Would anyone like to buy an early model of the Super Sailfish that is in great shape?

In the late ’50s and early ’60s we would sail with a neighbor on his Sunfish in Lake Michigan. Usually, sailing was a lot of fun, except for the day when small-craft warnings were posted, and we capsized, breaking the aluminum mast against the sand.

Great article.

I had a Sailfish and sailed Lake Ontario and some northern Ontario lakes with it from 1975 to 1991. It was faster and more athletic to sail than the Sunfish that we also had. I wish they were still available.

We rented a Sunfish 1966 and sailed it on Lake Simcoe near Big Bay Point. I convinced our family to buy one the next year. Sailed it at our rented cottage on Lake Simcoe and Lake Ontario from the Silver Birch Boathouse in east-end Toronto beaches for the next 9 years. Then was invited to race International 14 and Thunderbird yachts because of my Sunfish experience. Now I’m back in Sunfish racing in Canandaigua Lake and Rochester. Love going out in my Sunfish when the wind is too much for other boats.

A couple of answers.

1. For a replacement Minifish daggerboard I’d watch eBay for a “Barrington” board. If the desire is to make new handles, cut some 3/4″-square cleats and screw them to the top of the new, longer daggerboard.

2. The hole up by the bow handle was for a drain plug.

My first boat was a Masonite Sailfish (1974). The drain plug was in the transom, and it had wooden spars, grab rails, mast step, etc., and an old cotton sail. I varnished all the wood, and painted her international orange with a white cockpit – don’t laugh, it looked great with the varnished accents! The first time I capsized her, I was petrified, but then my feet hit the bottom! Shallow water! One time she just refused to tack, and when I got her home, found out that the stern drain plug had not been screwed in, and she weighed about 500 pounds. Many other newbie stories with that boat. Great fun always.

If you guys wanted to go back in time, my grandfather co-invented the Sunfish. Here is a poem I wrote about it:

A Maple leaf floated on the lake Momentum pushed it into a breeze Cortlandt watched it slowly drift by, tacking south The wheels in his head started turning Shorter, he thought, if the boat is shorter, it will turn more sharply It will be an easier boat for play In time, it was, and they were sold worldwide But for now, Bud tried to manipulate a sheet of paper into an airplane He wanted to see if he could hit the leaf Nailed it

Murray Dunlap “Next to a brain injury, the devil is a clawless kitten.”

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