Mirror Dinghy
The Mirror dinghy is a small, light, easy to sail, easy to transport, pram dinghy. Basically a stable family boat for all ages and abilities, ideal for just "messing about", it is also raced widely and actively both in the UK and abroad. Its ease of handling makes it a very good single-hander. For racing the crew is two but when pottering three can be carried. The Mirror dinghy can be rowed or fitted with a small outboard motor - it can then accommodate four or five people. Ideal for training young people, it is an RYA-adopted Junior Class. Many of the UK's top sailors started in a Mirror! A strict one-design, the Mirror dinghy became an International Class in 1989.
The Mirror dinghy was named after the Daily Mirror, a UK newspaper. From the start it was promoted as an affordable boat, and it has probably done more than any other design to make dinghy sailing in the UK a sport available to anyone. Although most popular in the UK, Mirrors are also used in other countries, notably Australia.
It was designed by Jack Holt and TV DIY expert Barry Bucknell in 1962, the Mirror dinghy employed a novel construction method where sheets of marine plywood are held together with copper stitching and fibreglass tape. Buoyancy is provided by integral chambers rather than by bags. It was originally designed to be built with simple tools and little experience, and this meant that the design was quite unsophisticated - for example, a simple daggerboard is used instead of a hinged centreboard. The result, however, was a robust and versatile boat that can be easily maintained, and repaired, and can also be got into the water very quickly from storage or transport. Its standing lug rig, with a gaff that effectively doubles the height of the mast, means that the spars can be packed inside the hull for easy storage or transportation.
All these features make the Mirror dinghy a first class choice for children or teenagers learning sailing for the first time. Because of the very large number that have been made (over 70000 to date !) , it is fairly easy to find other Mirror sailors to cruise or race with.
A Mirror dinghy will never be the fastest boat on the water, or the most elegant, but it holds a special place in the affections of a large number of dinghy sailors.
Sailing Dinghy Specifications
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Dinghy comments and advice
The first-time buyer should buy a boat with a number 60000-70000
Mark
With just under three weeks to go, we have nearly 80 boats entered, making this the largest gathering of Mirrors, with several boats still to return their forms, can we make it past the magic 100 ?. It is also pleasing to see many sailors returning to the class.
Poole YC offers some great sailing water, with easy launching and the sheltered race area close to the club house. For the non sailors Poole and surrounding Dorset countryside are popular holiday destinations.
Befitting the training nature of the class we have organised coaching support across the three fleets, tailored to the different ability levels. For those contemplating their first National Championships, this will be a great event to do. Boats in the Bronze Fleet will be able to compete without Measurement Certificates.
For the all important supporters and non sailing parents we have organised a large fully equipped spectator ship, getting you close to the action. There will also be "Mirror FM", our own event radio station, delivering full race commentary across the surrounding area.
Being the Family Class, many parents have entered to compete alongside their speedy kids. Single handers are always welcome, with their own start. For non-racers there will be a cruising rally, taking in some of the many pretty parts of Poole Harbour.
So if you are a Mirror Owner please come and join us at the class event of the year. :
http://www.ukmirrorsailing.com/championships/2005/nationals2005.htm
Simon Lovesey
Class Secretary
