AFFORDABLE CLASSIC GP14

Jack Holt (1912–1995) was one of the most prolific designers of performance dinghies of all time and made a massive contribution to post-war sailing. With early support from Yachting World magazine, he pioneered hard-chine hulls designed for building in marine plywood by DIY sailors and professional alike.

- Peter Poland

Holt’s earliest design – the Cadet – dates from 1947 and remains an international youth trainer to this day. More than 8,000 have been built. Then, in 1949, he came up with one of Britain’s most popular and versatile dinghies of all time. Originally sponsored by Yachting World magazine for home construction, this ‘General Purpose’ hard-chine marine plywood dinghy was named the GP14 and aimed squarely at family sailing, rowing, motoring (with a small outboard) and trailing behind a family car. It rapidly evolved into a hugely popular one-design racing class with more than 14,000 now built.

A hyper-efficient association (gp14.org) runs the class, organising extensive nationwide and international regattas, social events, cruises, and even instructional events and classes for newcomers and novices.