May I add to and update Peter Bick’s comments on the Leader-class dinghy, which as Peter said is making a comeback (ref Bulletin 125/45).

Firstly, I should explain that the Leader is a cruiser/racer dinghy very similar, especially in its mark 1 wooden and composite form, to the larger Wayfarer. It has not only similar lines, but a similar cockpit arrangement with removable side benches, so there is room to sleep two large crewmen on board, and a similar easy mast lowering arrangement. Being smaller, the Leader is much more easily rowed than the Wayfarer, and is much easier to sail singlehanded. Being lighter, it is much more easily hauled up a beach and manhandled ashore. Floorboards (or John Glasspool-type sleeping platforms) have to be added to Leaders, but these are easily made from scrap timber and ply.

New mark 2 Leaders are now available in both GRP and composite form from a first class builder, Porter Brothers of King Street, Emsworth, Hants PO17 7AY. Second-hand Leaders in first class condition hold their prices very well, but elderly boats in need of restoration are sometimes available at very low prices. The class secretary, John Wharnby, tel 0798 812525, can provide a list of second-hand boats.

Of course, with the Leader, as with any other cruiser/racer dinghy, crew skill and judgment is an important factor in their safety and seaworthiness, but athletics are not essential. Many owners continue both adventurous cruising and racing well into their sixties. Nor is lack of crew weight necessarily a problem, as shown by the diminutive Margaret Dye, who sails the very similar 14 foot Wanderer with distinction.

However, it must be born clearly in mind that just because heavyweight experts can carry full sail in rough conditions, it does not mean that average crews can do so. Practise in reefing at sea is therefore essential for the safe cruising of any of these lightweight boats, and passing the RYA level 3 assessment should be regarded as only the preparatory stage in learning. When reefed down, these powerful boats become surprisingly docile, and the sketches above indicate the Leader under reduced sail for moderate and strong breezes respectively.* If singlehanded, the jib would probably be handed.

I can confirm that Leaders are very easy to right after a capsize, but, of course, this is something that one tests with a rescue boat on hand, and hopes never to experience when cruising. The Leader, like certain other cruiser/racer dinghies, does sail on quite well when flooded, which is one of the reason why these boats are preferred by many RYA coaches to certain popular heavy boats.

From the Cruising the Leader illustrated booklet, available March 1992.