The HADRON Dinghy

HadronHadron is a new dinghy design for 2011. I have got back into racing dinghy design in the last few years, and in 2011 started crewing Merlin Rockets - in particular MR3708 "Wicked". As part of my fitness training I built a new singlehander design which I have developed from the same hull shape as "Wicked". Although the market is full of singlehander dinghies, the search is still on for a singlehander which will fulfil the requirements of the experienced dinghy sailor who is perhaps, like myself, getting on a bit, but who nonetheless demands good performance, and without too much pain. In other words, the boat must have impeccable handling characteristics, be comfortable to sit out and to sit in, easy to right after a capsize, and of course be a joy to sail. Just like a Merlin Rocket.

The boat is of 4 plank plywood construction, and is specifically designed to be easy to build. A kit of plywood parts can be made available, or full size drawings of the building frames and the major plywood parts (including the planks) are available (click on "purchase plans" link above).

Principal Dimensions:

A lot of thought has gone into making sailing the Hadron dinghy a pleasant and rewarding experience. Here are some of the main features:

• The performance-orientated but forgiving hull form and rig produces a versatile, manageable dinghy which can be sailed on lake, river or sea, with good performance to windward and also offwind. An easy performance dinghy for novices. Excellent handling and exhilarating performance for experienced sailors.
• Hadron has a long, low bow tank and aft of this buoyancy is provided by a fore and aft compartment along the centreline. This configuration will ensure that the boat floats low in the water when on its side, thus facilitating righting. The boat floats on its side with the centreboard just clear of the water, and when righted retains a modest amount, which can be evacuated via the transom flaps within a minute or so, even in light conditions.
• The high boom provides plenty of headroom for ease of tacking.
• The large, deep cockpit area and ergonomic side decks provide a comfortable sitting out position, and allows 2 people to be aboard for leisure sailing. The central buoyancy compartment acts as a useful seat in light conditions.
• The hull has 3 separate buoyancy compartments. One acts as a dry storage compartment at forward end of cockpit for gear and picnic items.
• Rig controls are led to cockpit sides for easy adjustment afloat.
• The flared hull, good freeboard and wide gunwhales minimise spray and keep the crew dry in all but the windiest conditions.

Hadron"s sails are being designed and developed in conjunction with Michael McNamara. Michael has made several prototype sails which he has tested on his Harrier dinghy.