The Wayfarer
Did you know the ideal sailing dinghy for beginners could also cruise the rugged West Coast of Scotland, race in a near gale or while away a long summers afternoon pottering with the family?
With a Wayfarer you can do it all
- Learn to sail
- Day-sail with the children
- Cruise to adventure (some Wayfarer sailors tackle journeys big boat cruisers would be wary of!)
- Race with spinnakers, at your local club or at open, national and international events with one of the most competitive fleets around
This 16 footer is one boat you wont grow out of.
To get the most from your boat join the United Kingdom Wayfarer Association and enjoy a full programme of dinghy racing and cruising events plus all the other benefits of membership.
Boat Design
Ian Proctor
The Wayfarer dinghy was designed by Ian Proctor in 1957 and in the subsequent 60+ years has acquired an unrivalled reputation as a tough and seaworthy cruising dinghy, yet at the same time being responsive and rewarding to race. The UK Wayfarer Association was founded a year later, in 1958.
There is probably no other centreboard boat in the world which combines these qualities as happily; it is this great versatility that makes her so outstanding as a racing and cruising boat.
Since the Wayfarer was originally designed there have been improvements in materials and production techniques which have lead to a variety of different versions all sharing the same hull shape and sail plan. The Wayfarer currently has a Portsmouth Number of 1102 (2020).
Wayfarer Vital Statistics
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial |
| Length | 4.827 metres | 15 ft 10 in |
| Beam | 1.855 metres | 6 ft 1 in |
| Draft | 0.203 metres | 8 in |
| Draft with centreboard down | 1.169 metres | 3 ft 10 in |
| Hull Weight (minimum) | 169 kg | 372 lb |
| Mainsail area | 8.83 sq metres | 95 sq ft |
| Genoa area | 4.27 sq. metres | 46 sq ft |
| Jib area | 2.78 sq. metres | 30 sq ft |
| Spinnaker area | 13.5 sq metres | 145 sq ft |
Hartley Boats
If you want further information about the Wayfarer dinghy, visit https://www.hartleyboats.com
Hartley Boats are the builders of new Wayfarers.
Last updated 18:45 on 22 April 2024