Solo at 50 - Anniversary of Jack Holt Dinghy

by Sail-World/Gerald New on 13 Jan 2006 Hanging over the Purple Marine Chandlery stand at the London Boat Show is a state-of-the-Art Solo class dinghy. The surprising thing is when you realise that it is 50 years since Jack Holt penned this nippy little single hander. Still as popular as ever and available in wood or FRP or a combination from a builder of your choice - this is dinghy sailing as it was in the golden age!

This particular Solo, No.5000, is the prize in a free raffle for members of the Solo class association - so get that cheque in now - and at much better odds than the Lottery. The boat and equipment has been donated by Solo builder Guy Winder and suppliers including: Diab Ltd., Guildford Marine, Holt Allen, North sails and Wavelength.

To get a closer look at number 5000 and other Solos, including number 2 you will need to get along to the Dinghy Sailing Show at Alexandra Palace on 5/6 March. Note that the draw for Solo 5000 will take place at the Inlands 17/18 June at Rutland SC, but your subs to the association must be paid up before the end of February.

The Solo class will be holding a number of special events throughout the year including a Champions of Champions event during the UK Nationals at Felpham SC. And an Open event on Lake Garda from 18 to 21 July.

Jack Holt (1912-1995) was one of the most successful small boat designers in the world. It is estimated that over 250,000 dinghies have been built to his designs. Starting with the Merlin 14ft dinghy just after the Second World War, Holt then designed a number of one design racing dinghies that formed the basis of the dinghy boom in the UK in the 50s and 60s, and many are still raced today.

The development of waterproof marine plywood allowed Holt to simplify the construction of his dinghies, making them available for both professional and amateur building. The Cadet (1947) was a small boat intended for children up to 16 to gain experience of sailing and racing and was an immediate hit, going on to become an International class.

Other designs followed but 1956 must be his golden year. Apart from the singlehanded Solo with its fully battened sail, he produced the two man Enterprise for a promotional commission from the News Chronicle newspaper. With over 23,000 built, the Enterprise with its distinctive blue sails, is another very active class that will be celebrating its Golden Anniversary this year.

Despite its numbers, the Enterprise is not the biggest class built from Holt's designs. The most popular of all is the Mirror with over 70,000 built.

Purple Marine hardware stand No. N1334
Purple Marine clothing stand No. N1114

Purple Marine Website: http://purplemarine.com/store/
Solo Class Website: http://www.solosailing.org