Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Brothers

Mirror dinghy - a 50-year history celebrated

by Emma Slater, RYA/Sail-World on 30 Oct 2013
Mirror sailing SW
With over 70,000 Mirror dinghies built and sailed in dozens of countries, including Australia, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States, the Mirror sailing dinghy must be one of the most popular, most affordable boats of all time.

In the 2013 Royal Yachting Association(RYA) Dinghy Show, dinghy historian and journalist David Henshall was interviewed about the famous dinghy's 50 year history.


Talking after his main stage appearance at the 2013 show David explains where it all began for the Mirror dinghy, takes a look back over the past 50 years and how the Mirror has remained one of the most popular dinghies throughout the years.

He explains how the boats have changed over the years from the DIY kits of the early days to the dinghies of today and reveals the story behind the Mirror dinghy and its links to the Mirror Newspaper, as well as a few fun and useful factoids!

This latest video interview is the seventh in a series of nine interviews conducted at the 2013 RYA Dinghy Show focusing on one of the main stage talks or coaching area sessions with the presenters answering questions relating to their talks.

Watch the full video here:

Henri-Lloyd Dynamic RangeArmstrong 728x90 - Wing FG Board Range - BOTTOMMackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOM

Related Articles

Flying Fifteen Worlds start today
Super hot fleet set for racing in Weymouth Bay The Flying Fifteen Worlds, headline sponsored by PRO-SET Epoxy and Ovington Boats, is taking place at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) in the UK with racing set to start today in Weymouth Bay.
Posted today at 8:15 am
40th Hamilton Island Race Week starts tomorrow
The fleet of more than 155 entrants making final preparations for racing Festivities marking the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Race Week presented by AMEX are about to get under way, with the fleet of more than 155 entrants making final preparations for racing to commence tomorrow, Sunday August 17.
Posted today at 3:17 am
2025 Garmin ORC Worlds Day 5
Short offshore race held on the penultimate day Today's return to racing at the 2025 Garmin ORC World Championship was on the Short offshore race powered by PANTAENIUS, featuring close racing in all three classes on courses of 47.4 miles for Class A, 41.8 miles for Class B and 33.6 miles for Class C.
Posted today at 12:02 am
Flying Roos unscathed after mayhem
Brazil nosedive and collapse for'ard beam, French lose a rudder True to form, Tom Slingsby's crew, renowned for their ability to excel in chaotic conditions, were commanding the first fleet race of the day and holding the lead when major incidents with Brazil and France forced an abrupt change in proceedings.
Posted on 15 Aug
Black Foils set for first ever German event
Separate incidents during Friday's practice racing mean not all 12 teams will be on the startline A sold out Saturday Race Stadium in Sassnitz is set to welcome teams to the first ever Germany Sail Grand Prix this weekend but separate incidents during Friday's practice racing mean not all 12 teams will be on the startline for this weekend's event.
Posted on 15 Aug
Double Trouble during Sassnitz SailGP Practice
Brazil hull collapses and French rudder flies off There was drama in Sassnitz during SailGP practice racing as firstly the French SailGP Team's starboard rudder broke off during a windward mark bear away, and then on the same leg Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team nose dived, with the main crossbeam collapsing.
Posted on 15 Aug
Audi 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup Türkiye day 3
Guts and glory on the Sea of Marmara Day three of the Audi 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup Turkiye delivered high drama and punishing conditions. The men's fleet was split into gold and silver with the aim of securing a top-nine position for automatic entry into Sunday's medal series.
Posted on 15 Aug
Mubadala Brazil out of action after major damage
After nosedive during SailGP practice race in Sassnitz, Germany The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team will not compete after a stunning incident in practice. The front beam of the team's F50 collapsed in a high-impact nosedive - no crew were injured as an investigation into the incident continues.
Posted on 15 Aug
Fun and sharing aboard Team AMAALA
Swiss sailors had a great first leg and are building up confidence for the rest of the race The Swiss Offshore Team crew, 5th in Portsmouth, had a great first leg and are building up maximum confidence for the rest of the race.
Posted on 15 Aug
Emirates GBR preparing to bring their A-Game
For SailGP's Germany debut this weekend Following a successful home event in Portsmouth last month, Emirates GBR is back in action this weekend at the Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz. The event marks the Rolex SailGP Championship's debut in Germany.
Posted on 15 Aug