There is a slight but growing tendency for the dinghy designing and building world to recognise that a demand exists for cruising dinghies. The “Wayfarer” and the “Midshipman” are results of this trend and a more recent addition, the “Tricorn” is the subject of these notes.

General description L.O.A. 16ft 6ins L.W.L. 15ft 0 ins Beam 6ft 2 ins Draft 10 ins (app) Draft with plate 5ft 3 ins Rig Bermudian, 139 sq.ft. Designers: Illingworth and Primrose

Comments The above description covers the essential points but does not include any of the details which distinguish her as a cruising dinghy. In a rough order of interest these are:

1. Stability

The builders claim a stability greater than a comparable racing dinghy, without a great loss in speed. These are both true, but the stability is nevertheless low by D.C.A. recommended standards. Unfortunately our heeling test (crew on gunwale) was not carried to the limit because of the inconvenient situation, but two people sitting near (not on) the gunwale had a very decided heeling effect. Pictures of the boat sailing (e.g. Y.M. Nov 1961 adv. page 3) show the necessity of sitting out, sometimes by three people. This of course does not condemn the boat but it is an indication of the amount of work required to keep her upright, a point which must be borne in mind if long trips are contemplated. The hull section, rather than a lack of beam or too big a sail area, is probably responsible for the lack of stiffness, the bilge being fairly slack, particularly when compared against the hard chine Wayfarer.

2. Stowage and Sleeping Accommodation

The main feature of the design is the raised cuddy, providing a degree of permanent shelter. This is very similar to the Midshipman layout but has two modifications. In the for’ard side of the cuddy is a hatch in the form of a removable window. This is a good idea and overcomes criticism No.4 levelled against the Midshipman (Bulletin No.12), where it is difficult to reach the foredeck. At the rear of the cuddy, access is by a rather small hatchway, closed by a canvas door. Inside is sitting headroom, and leading aft on each side are two berths which extend under the (moulded) side-decks. This is the second major difference to the Midshipman, and gives, in theory, a dry bed in all normal circumstances.

This seems to be a fine idea for when lying at anchor. However on a long trip it is essential for the off-duty crew to get some rest, and to get it where he is ready for almost instant action. To our way of thinking this means lying on the windward side of a reasonably wide, snag free cockpit so that he can sit up and be immediately active. The contortions required in order to emerge from the Tricorn berth and cuddy will take some time, and the cockpit is too small to lie down in.

The cuddy should provide excellent stowage for things needing to be kept dry. Two side lockers and a very large locker in the stern provide a fair amount of stowage space, but whether the total is sufficient is of course a very personal matter.

3. Performance

While it is true that you can cruise in anything big enough to carry you and your gear, it is very useful to be able to proceed at a reasonable speed when so doing. There seems to be no doubt that the “Tricorn” can do this admirably well, and if speed is a more important requirement than some of the points mentioned above, this boat merits considerable attention.

4. Construction and Price

The polyester-glass fibre method is not yet proved up to the hilt by any means, but it has many advantages which commend it. It is believed that the methods used in the construction of this boat are satisfactory but the mast support (on the cuddy) seemed very light. Buoyancy tanks are moulded in place.

The price, approximately £430 is presumably based on production costs plus a profit margin and hence is the affair of the company. It does make for a very expensive dinghy even if the maintenance of a glass fibre hull costs less. It will be interesting to see how well they sell!

Finally it should he added that the builders,

Martin Goacher & Co. Ltd., GODALMING, Surrey.

are keen to supply details of their boat, and have provided liberal facilities for interested parties to have trial sails in a Tricorn. The above comments are the authors’ personal opinions only and are based on such a trial sail and the data published on the boat.