sunfish sailboat class

United States Sunfish Class Association

Class contact information.

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Class Website

One-Design Class Type: Dinghy

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Both

Approximately how many class members do you have? 500

Photo Credit:Priscilla Parker, Race Committee/Photographer – Wrightsville Beach, NC

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About United States Sunfish Class Association

The International Sunfish Class Association is the governing body of Sunfish racers everywhere. The Sunfish Class offers diversity unmatched by any one-design racer. Young, old, short, tall, big, small, man, woman, world-class or just learning, we are a welcome and opening group of people who love our little boats. We are Olympians, World Champions and the single-handed class in the Pan American Games. We are dedicated to racing our best while recognizing the Corinthian essence of the sport. Sailors won’t find a more welcoming, open and friendly group of sailors anywhere. We are classic, competitive and fun! Our mission is to promote and develop Sunfish Class one design racing worldwide under uniform rules, enhance the enjoyment of the boat and to provide an efficient medium of exchange of information and friendship among Sunfish sailors.

THE WINDWARD LEG – The Class Newsletter- is now being published in English and Spanish: https://www.sunfishclass.org/past_issues_windward_leg

Boats Produced: 750,000

Class boat builder(s):

LaserPerformance/MacLaren

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 600,000

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Nine USA Regions … Florida, New England, New York, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Southwest, West

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? No

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  One

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  120-185 lbs

Boat Designed in  1953

Length (feet/inches): 13′ 9″

Beam: 4′ 1″

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 125-185

Draft: 2′ 11″

Mast Height: 10′

Class Rules (PDF Doc)

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• Sailboat Guide

Sunfish is a 13 ′ 10 ″ / 4.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger/Carl Meinart and built by AMF Corp., Alcort, Pearson Yachts, and LaserPerformance starting in 1952.

• 1 / 17 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Sunfish $650 USD View
• 2 / 17 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
• 3 / 17 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
• 4 / 17 Venice, FL, US 1985 Sunfish $800 USD View
• 5 / 17 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Sunfish $650 USD View
• 6 / 17 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
• 7 / 17 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
• 8 / 17 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
• 9 / 17 Venice, FL, US 1985 Sunfish $800 USD View
• 10 / 17 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
• 11 / 17 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
• 12 / 17 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
• 13 / 17 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
• 14 / 17 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
• 15 / 17 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View
• 16 / 17 Slatington, PA, US 1985 Sunfish $2,200 USD View
• 17 / 17 Hudson, WI, US 2006 Sunfish $3,800 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Although the earliest models were built of wood and offered as kits, the fiberglass version, first introduced in 1960, became the most popular recreational sailboat in history. As a result, there were many imitators.

Sunfish Builder Chronology 1952 - 1969 Alcort, Inc. (founded 1945) 1969 - 1986 AMF 1986 - 1988 Loveless & DeGarmo, dba, Alcort Sailboats Inc. 1988 - 1991 Pearson Yacht Co. 1991 - 1997 Sunfish/Laser, Inc. 1997 - 2007 Vanguard 2007 - Laser Performance Change in class rules permitted a new, slightly deeper daggerboard in the mid-1990’s.

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• About Sailboat Guide

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Sunfish Sailing Boat: Techniques, Maintenance, Racing, Community

Published by oceanwave on august 5, 2023.

The Sunfish sailing boat , is a compact, lightweight, and adaptable vessel created for sailing for leisure. Its simplicity and usability make it a popular option for both novice and seasoned sailors.

Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger, who created Alcort, Inc., originally unveiled the Sunfish sailboat in the early 1950s. The popular “Lateen” sail employed by the Moors and other ancient cultures served as inspiration for its design. The Sunfish has had tremendous growth in popularity over time and continues to be a recognised icon of recreational sailing.

Design and Structure

The Sunfish has a straightforward, fibreglass hull with a flat bottom that offers stability and manoeuvrability. Its single-person design makes sailing alone on it comfortable. Tandem sailing is a popular use for several Sunfish variations that have been altered to suit two individuals.

The daggerboard, a retractable centerboard, on the Sunfish enhances overall stability by assisting in preventing lateral movement while sailing upwind. Effective boat steering is made possible by the rudder, which is at the stern.

The comparatively tall and slender Sunfish mast makes for an effective and exciting sailing experience.

The sail is a lateen rig with a characteristic triangle shape, composed of sturdy materials like Dacron. Using a halyard and a sheet line, the sail may be readily raised or dropped.

Simple rigging is used on sunfish sailing vessels. The mainsheet regulates the sail’s pitch, and the tiller steers the boat by moving the rudder. The outhaul and cunningham modify the shape and tension of the sail while the halyard lifts and lowers it to improve performance.

Sunfish Sailing Techniques

Rigging the sunfish.

A Sunfish must have its sail, daggerboard, and rudder tightly fastened before it may sail. For safe and pleasurable sailing, proper rigging is crucial.

Basic Sailing Maneuvers

• Tacking: This maneuver involves rotating the boat’s bow through the wind, which allows the sail to seamlessly change sides.
• Jibing: Jibing refers to rotating the stern of the boat through the wind and switching the sail to the opposing side.
• Points of Sail: For effective sailing and navigating a variety of wind conditions, it is essential to comprehend the various points of sail (upwind, close-hauled, reaching, and downwind).

Advanced Sailing Techniques

• Racing Strategies: For competitive sailors, learning racing strategies, such as starting procedures, mark edging, and tactical decision-making, can greatly enhance performance.
• Windward Sailing: To sail upwind (windward) and make headway against the wind, accurate sail trimming and boat positioning are necessary.
• Downwind Sailing: To sail effectively downwind, you must maximize your sail angle and take advantage of wind shifts to increase your speed and momentum.

Popular Sunfish Sailing Destinations

Coastal regions, lakes, and reservoirs all around the world are frequently enjoyed by sunfish sailors. The Great Lakes, American coastal regions, and picturesque areas in Europe and beyond are among the most well-liked travel destinations.

With winds typically ranging from 5 to 15 knots, the Sunfish is perfectly suited for light to moderate conditions. For beginners, calm waters and protected harbors are ideal, but for experienced sailors, more difficult open-water conditions may be desired.

Sailing any boat, especially the Sunfish, requires utmost caution. In addition to being mindful of the weather, sailors should always wear the proper personal flotation devices (PFDs). It’s important to observe all boating laws and keep within approved sailing areas.

Maintenance and Care

Storage and cleaning.

A Sunfish sailing boat must be properly maintained in order to last for a long time and operate at its best. Use fresh water to thoroughly rinse the boat after each sailing session to get rid of any salt or debris. To clean the hull and deck, use mild soap and a gentle brush instead of abrasive cleaners that could harm the fibreglass. Dry the boat completely after cleaning it before storing it.

For storage, choose a covered space or spend money on a boat cover to shield the Sunfish from the elements. The boat’s health and longevity will be preserved and increased by keeping it out of the rain, sunlight, and extremely hot or cold weather.

Fixing Small Damages

Check the Sunfish frequently for any indications of wear or small damage. To stop future damage, cracks, chips, or scratches on the hull should be fixed right away. Using repair kits that are available from boat dealers or specialty stores, boat owners can frequently handle minor repairs.

Consider contacting a specialised yacht repair agency for assistance with larger damages or structural problems. In addition to keeping the Sunfish in excellent condition, proper maintenance will guarantee the sailor’s safety.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Make sure to give the Sunfish a complete inspection before each sailing season. Look for any wear or fraying in the rigging, including the mast, sail, and lines. To ensure smooth functioning, lubricate moving components like the rudder and daggerboard systems.

Check the hull for any potential leaks and confirm that all hardware and fittings are firmly attached. Replace damaged lines or hardware as necessary. Check the sail’s integrity as well, keeping an eye out for any tears or wear that could impair performance.

Racing and Competitions

A thrilling feature of Sunfish sailing is Sunfish class racing, when sailors compete in regulated competitions and regattas. The International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA) has established particular guidelines and requirements for the Sunfish class. Typically, races have short tracks, and competitors try to complete as quickly as they can.

The chance to compete in many local, national, and worldwide regattas is available to Sunfish sailors. The Sunfish World Championship, North American Championship, and various regional championships held in various nations are a few of the important competitions.

Specialised training and practise are essential for everyone interested in racing. Experienced racers and coaches frequently organise training camps and clinics to aid participants in honing their abilities and strategies. Mastering race-specific manoeuvres, comprehending wind patterns, and refining racing strategy are all part of competitive preparation.

Sunfish Sailing Community

The Sunfish sailing community is a thriving and encouraging global network of sailors. The governing body, in charge of enforcing class regulations and planning significant events, is the International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA). Local Sunfish class organizations offer further assistance and possibilities for sailors to interact in various places.

Sunfish sailing boat aficionados have venues to share experiences, ask questions, and swap advice through online forums and social media groups. Additionally, there are several of websites and blogs that provide helpful resources including regatta dates, maintenance advice, and sailing skills.

The advantages of joining the Sunfish sailing community are numerous. It offers a wonderful chance to connect with like-minded people, pick the brains of seasoned sailors, and share the thrill of sailing. Participating in community activities also promotes a sense of camaraderie and provides both novices and seasoned sailors with invaluable support.

Sunfish sailing boats are an enticing option for sailors of all ages and experience levels because they provide the ideal balance of simplicity, excitement, and versatility. Sunfish sailing continues to be popular because to its simplicity in maintenance, ease of rigging, and accessibility to a variety of sailing locations.

The Sunfish offers a simple and pleasurable entry point for people who are thinking about taking up sailing. Its user-friendly layout and the Sunfish community’s assistance guarantee a pleasurable and unforgettable trip on the water. Therefore, giving Sunfish sailing a try can spark a passion for the sport that lasts a lifetime, whether the goal is a peaceful day on the lake or serious racing.

To discover more about various liveaboard sailboats , yachts, and catamaran, check out this Sailboat Data page. You may discover comprehensive details on different sailboat models and their performance here, making it easy for you to pick the best boat for your requirements with Ocean Wave Sail !

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Sunfish Class History

The Sunfish has its roots planted firmly in 1947 in Waterbury, Connecticut. Friends Alexander “Al” Bryan and Cortlandt “Cort” Heyniger (the Al and Cort in Alcort) pondered, “How to put a sail on a surfboard?” The answer involved a rejected design for American Red Cross waterfront rescue surfboards, leading to the Sailfish – a lateen rigged, flat-decked, plywood marvel. In 1951, Bryan’s pregnant wife found its flat deck somewhat uncomfortable. The addition of a cockpit and widening of the hull created the Sunfish. The logo was created by Heyniger, who traced a nickel and added fins, the tail and an eye. Early wood Sailfish and Sunfish were available assembled or as kits.

In 1959 the introduction of fiberglass and the low cost and ease of production led to the proliferation of Sunfish everywhere. Other improvements included aluminum spars replacing spruce, Dacron sails replacing cotton, ash replacing mahogany for tillers, resulting in increased speed, performance and reliability. Sunfish racing started almost as quickly as two or three boats came together – the first North American Championship was 1963, the first Midwinters was 1965. Bryan and Heyniger sold “Alcort Sailboats” to American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF) in 1969.

AMF/Alcort Division hired Steve Baker, and later Lee Parks, to organize events and racing leading to establishment of a Class Association. For almost 20 years Sunfish racing and AMF/Alcort were synonymous. In 1971 the original brass rudder fittings were replaced by the spring-loaded kickup system developed for the Minifish. Two daggerboard shapes were introduced in the 1970′s: the “new” style, which was swept back, had less area, and proved unpopular with racers, and the “Barrington” style, developed by the frostbite fleet, which proved equally popular as the original “round” style. As the Class matured, it applied to the then – International Yacht Racing Union and gained International Class status on January 1, 1984.

In mid-1985, Irwin Jacobs of Minstar Corporation of Minneapolis, Minnesota, bought AMF, intending to spin Alcort off, and saw no benefit in continuing to support the Class organization. On July 18, 1985 the International Sunfish Class Association assumed Class management from the manufacturer. On February 14, 1986 David Loveless and Jerry DeGarmo purchased the business, naming it Alcort Sailboats, Inc.

In October, 1986, Alcort Sailboats, Inc., agreed to work with Hans Fogh, then with North Sails, to develop a consistent and ultimate sail shape. At the same time, ultimate daggerboard and rudder shape development was launched. Due to many complaints from Alcort dealers to update the antiquated Sunfish hull design, a new modernized deck was also introduced. The improved deck configuration featured a 3 1/2 inch wider and 1/4" longer cockpit; a rolled flange gunwale (ala Laser) replacing riveted aluminum rails; non-skid on the deck on either side of the cockpit; and a standard hiking strap. In 1988 Loveless and Degarmo sold the company to Pearson Yachts of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, led by J. Gordon Clayton. Pearson acquired rights to the Laser separately.

By January 1989, today’s aerodynamic Racing sail was approved. It is approximately 10% larger in area with shaping fullness, has a 20% bigger window, a Cunningham cringle, is made of longer-lived and more evenly stretching cloth, and reduced equipment differences. the daggerboard had further design attention in 1989. In 1991, Pearson filed for bankruptcy protection. SunfishLaser, Inc., led by Peter Johnstone, was formed in 1991 from the small boats assets of Pearson, with primary funding from North Marine Group, parent company of North Sails.

Production control implemented by “SLI” resulted in hull weight consistency of 128-130 pounds. On January 1, 1994, today’s 3-3/4″ longer and foil shaped daggerboard debuted. It is liked for being forgiving to bad tacks, quicker, with less side slipping, at a cost of the sailor having to work a little harder in a breeze. This saved racers from constant build up and refinishing of wooden boards to get them up to tolerances. Sail America inducted the Sunfish into The American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 1995 in recognition of “a boat that has earned lasting recognition by fostering new enjoyment and growth in the sport of sailing through excellent design and production ingenuity.” In March 1997, Sunfish Laser, Inc. sold the Sunfish to Vanguard Sailboats Inc., led by Chip Johns and Steve Clark.  In 2007 Performance Sailcraft Europe and Vanguard merged to create Laser Performance.  The boat continues to be manufactured by LP to this day.

In 2001, with over 300,000 boats worldwide, the Sunfish’s 50th birthday was celebrated at Newport, Rhode Island. An out-of-the-box Sunfish was sailed at the regatta to the win.

The International Class organization continues its development. Sunfish gained Pan American Games status in 1999 and has been in the Games since. This has caused significant development in Pan American countries.  There are three continental and nine national championships regularly.  Efforts are ongoing for events for cruisers and racers alike, including a continuing commitment to an annual World Championship. Sunfish sailors stay dedicated to the “fun in the sun” mantra! – Gail M. Turluck

International Sunfish Class Association

8070 Willow Tree Way, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

[email protected]   +1 404-451-7743

SUNFISH AND LASER SAILBOATS

The Sunfish is a sailing icon. One of sailing’s best-known brands, it is unmatched in simplicity and performance making it popular for all ages and abilities. Designed as the ultimate beach craft, this maintenance free boat holds its resale value thanks to its robust construction, highlighted by hard chines and a flat underbody. The Sunfish can be stored almost anywhere and is a snap to car-top, making it a popular international class and easy to transport to your favorite beach for family fun.

• Fiberglass hull
• Fiberglass foils
• Aluminum spars
• Class legal sail Lightweight hull
• Kick-up rudder system
• Self-bailing cockpit
• Storage compartment in the cockpit

The Laser is the world’s most popular adult racing class boat. True to box one-design standards, each Laser in the world is identical ensuring the best sailor on the water wins the race, not the boat. The Laser is a challenging boat that rewards athleticism, subtle steering and trimming techniques, as well as the tactical excellence of the sailor. The Laser is raced by young and old alike from the Club level all the way to the Olympics. The Laser comes standard as a race version.

• Ice Blue Fiberglass hull
• Harken Race upgrade Cunningham/Outhaul kit
• Harken Race upgrade Boom Vang / Kicker
• Gorilla tiller and extension
• Class legal Mark II sail
• 60mm Harken ratchet block
• Padded toe strap

Stop in and take a look at our available Sunfish and Lasers.

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One Design Class Profile: Sunfish

March 24, 2015 by Sail1Design Editor 1 Comment

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We offer the complete lineup of class legal Sunfish sails for both recreation and racing. In addition we have custom and discontinued sails you won't find anywhere else!

ISCA, North Race White Sail, SUN-10014

The Sunfish Racing Sail (White) is built with the racer in mind. These sails use a slightly lighter ..

Sunfish Sail, Race White, 94306

Sunfish Sail Ring (Single Ring), Clear

The sail rings fit around the booms and clip onto the sail, holding it securely.  Quantity:..

Sunfish Sail, American Pride, 10015

Classic Sunfish sails are recognized all over the world for their bright and fun colors.  Made ..

Sunfish Sail, Aquatic Breeze 10019

Sunfish Sail, Blue and White, 10008

Sunfish Sail, Green and White, 10013

Sunfish Sail, Mackinaw, 10010

Sunfish Sail, Red and White, 10012

Sunfish Sail, Seaside, 10018

Sunfish Sail, White, 10016

Sunfish Sail Ring (Single Ring), Blue

The sail rings fit around the booms and clip onto the sail, holding it securely.   Qua..

Sunfish Sail Ring (Single Ring), Red

Sunfish Sail Ring (Single Ring), Yellow

Sunfish Sail Ring (Single Ring), Orange

Sunfish Sail Ring (Single Ring), Dark Green

Sunfish, Sail Rings, CLEAR (Package of 30), 95880

The sail rings fit around the booms and clip onto the sail, holding it securely. Comes in package of..

Sunfish, Sail Rings, BLUE (Package of 30), 95880-B

The sail rings fit around the booms and clip onto the sail, holding it securely.   Com..

Sunfish, Sail Rings, RED (Package of 30), 95880-R

Sunfish, Sail Rings, YELLOW (Package of 30), 95880-Y

Sunfish, Sail Rings, ORANGE (Package of 30), 95880-O

Sunfish, Sail Rings, DARK GREEN (Package of 30), 95880-DG

The Sunfish combines easy rigging and manageability for a comfortable and hassle-free sailing experience. This is the sailboat loved by all. Designed in 1952 as the ultimate beach craft, the Sunfish sailboat is still a favourite with all ages. This maintenance free boat holds its resale value thanks to its robust construction, highlighted by hard chines and a flat underbody. The Sunfish can be stored almost anywhere and is a snap to car-top, making it a popular international class and easy to transport to your favourite beach for family fun.

The Sunfish has its roots planted firmly in 1947 in Waterbury, Connecticut. Friends Alexander “Al” Bryan and Cortlandt “Cort” Heyniger (the Al and Cort in Alcort) pondered, “How to put a sail on a surfboard?” The answer involved a rejected design for American Red Cross waterfront rescue surfboards, leading to the Sailfish – a lateen rigged, flat-decked, plywood marvel. In 1951, Bryan’s pregnant wife found its flat deck somewhat uncomfortable. The addition of a cockpit and widening of the hull created the Sunfish. The logo was created by Heyniger, who traced a nickel and added fins, the tail and an eye. Early wood Sailfish and Sunfish were available assembled or as kits. In 1959 the introduction of fiberglass and the low cost and ease of production led to the proliferation of Sunfish everywhere. Other improvements included aluminium spars replacing spruce, Dacron sails replacing cotton, ash replacing mahogany for tillers, resulting in increased speed, performance and reliability. Sunfish racing started almost as quickly as two or three boats came together – the first North American Championship was 1963, the first Midwinters was 1965.

1 Hull – 2 Versions

Race – A strict one design international sail class

• Adjustable downhaul
• Adjustable outhaul
• Performance ratchet block
• Performance sailcloth

Recreational – For the ones exclusively looking for the pleasure of sailing a extremely simple and fun dinghy

• Colourful sails
• Even more simple to rig
• Reduced time to water
• Sailing made simple

The Sunfish is a sailing icon

One of sailing’s best-known brands, it is unmatched in simplicity and performance making it popular for all ages and abilities. With more than 60 years in production and sailed by celebrities such as the Kennedy and Paul McCartney, the Sunfish is the most popular sailboat in history.

• SUNFISH RACE

60 ft 2 5.58 m 2

13.9 FT 4.24M

4.1 FT 1.25 M

2.11 FT 0.64 M

Beginner->Expert

Club->International

BOAT LIGHTNESS

TIME TO WATER

SKILL LEVEL

PARTS LOCATOR

RIGGING MANUAL

• Parts & Accessories

Privacy Overview

How Much Do Sunfish Sailboats Cost? 2 Examples (With Pictures)

If you are new to sailing or want to get started, dinghy sailing at your local yacht club is a great way to begin.

Many yacht clubs have a fleet of small sailing boats to teach people to sail. The Sunfish design fills this niche as an easy and fun boat for both novices and experienced sailors alike.

The Sunfish sailboat was originally designed in 1952 and is still considered one of the most iconic sailboats ever made.

You can find these small sailboats on waterways, lakes, and bays as recreational boats all over the USA, in addition to racing fleets all over the world.

Here’s a Summary of Sunfish Sailboats:

A Sunfish is a small sailboat capable of carrying one or two easy-to-launch off a beach. The Sunfish features a flat, board-like hull combined with a simple rigging designed for ease of use and comfortable, hassle-free sailing.

Table of Contents

The History of Sunfish Sailboats

Sunfish was started by two childhood friends, Alexander Bryan and Cortlandt (Bud) Heyniger, who created Alcort, Inc (the Al and the Cort of the company name).

In 1959 the two friends discovered fiberglass, and then the company created molds for the Sunfish, and production started on a grand scale. The new fiberglass boats were lighter, faster, and much better looking than before, resulting in close to 10,000 a year for almost 20 years.

The Sunfish was the first one-design boat that the manufacturer rigidly controlled. Even the sails were limited to one sail loft, and there was very little that could be changed to add go-faster accessories.

The boats were designed to be simple, with no need to buy a new set of sails every year and no need to keep buying or changing expensive equipment to keep up with the latest sailing trends.

Because of their low price point and their low maintenance, the Sunfish sailboat made sailing popular amongst the masses. A Sunfish is trailerable, is easy to launch and easy to sail, and can be used by the whole family.

While these boats have their own class for racing, they are also used for teaching sailing to people of all ages.

The two friends sold the company to an American company, the American Machine and Foundry Co (AMF), in 1969. After which the company has been sold several times.

Nowadays, Sunfish sailboats are manufactured by Laser Performance who has a production facility in China. In 1995, the Sunfish was inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.

The design was recognized as “the most popular fiberglass boat ever designed, with a quarter of a million sold worldwide.”

How Much Do Sunfish Sailboats Cost?

So, we have mentioned that the Sunfish sailboats are extremely affordable and popular, but how much do Sunfish sailboats actually cost?

Here we give a selection of both new and second-hand models:

New Sunfish Sailboats:

There are still many dealers of Sunfish sailboats both in the USA and abroad, and Laser Performance is still the current manufacturer, so new boats are widely available.

Image: laserperformance.us

Prices direct from Laser Performance start from $4,629.25.

However, many dealers keep stock of Sunfish sailboats, so if you shop around, you may be able to find a new Sunfish sailboat for a better price.

A quick search on the internet found an online shop, the Dinghy Shop, offering new Sunfish sailboats for $4,356.00, which saves nearly $300.

Second-Hand Sunfish Sailboats:

Second-hand Sunfish sailboats are widely available and will usually cost between $900 and $1,200 for a used boat in good condition.

Things to look for when buying a second hand or used Sunfish sailboat include the following:

• The hull should look smooth, with no holes, gauges, or deep imperfections.
• The hull should be uniformly firm and not soft in places.
• Look for boats that have been ‘dry sailed.’ This means that the boat has been stored on land, off the ground, and under a good covering when it is not being sailed.
• If a boat is left in the water or improperly stored, boats will absorb water and gain weight quickly.
• The weight of the boats should be low or as close to the manufacturer’s specified dry weight as possible.
• If you want to race and be competitive, a second-hand Sunfish should be avoided unless it is close to the weight of a new boat.

If a boat is sailed often, the sails will lose their effectiveness for racing after a year or two.

However, they will still be good for day sailing and training. Competitive racing requires newer sails that still feel crisp and have their shape.

New Sunfish sails retail for around $400.

Some other things to look out for or how to tell if an owner has taken good care of a boat include the following:

• The sails will be rolled and not folded;
• The boat is kept clean;
• The boat is stored out of the water, off the ground, dry, and covered.

One of the best places to look for a used Sunfish sailboat is on the Sunfish Sailing Forum. There you will find boats, trailers, and spare parts in all corners of the US.

While the Sunfish sailboat was a proudly American design, the boats can be found worldwide.

There are dealers on every continent, and as they are light, they can be shipped worldwide.

Sunfish Sailboat Specifications:

Here are a few specifications you might need to know before buying:

• Length – 14’9″/
• Beam – 4’1″/1.25M
• Draft – 2’11″/0.64M
• Sail Area – 75FT²/6.97M²
• Hull weight – 120 pounds/59kg
• Capacity – 1 to 2 people
• Skill Level – Beginner to Expert

Final Thoughts

While the two original designers didn’t realize how popular the Sunfish would become, they managed to invent a boat that everyone could sail.

It didn’t matter about your age, gender, or your skill level. Plus, this simple design was affordable to many.

Despite being sold to various companies over the years, the design has remained unchanged. While the present builder, Laser Performance, has moved the production to China, they are still very widely available.

In addition, the Sunfish class is recognized as a One Design racing class all over the world.

So, if you are looking for an affordable and fun way to get out on the water, you won’t go wrong with a Sunfish.

References:

Sunfish: The True Love Boat – Scuttlebutt

Sunfish – Laser Performance

Saling Forums – Sunfish

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Sunfish – Race Version

$ 6,150.00

“The Sunfish is pure sailing—the sail in the wind, the board in the water, and you in the hull in between—one hand on the tiller, the other on the sheet and the wind in your hair. Pure sailboat racing, too. For the racing sailor, it is the essence of yacht racing. It was the first truly one-design boat, rigidly controlled by the manufacturer, with even the sails limited to one loft (for measured sails) and very little that could be done in the way of adding expensive go-fasts. No need for a new set of sails every year. No need to keep buying or changing expensive hardware to keep up with the latest sailing theory.” – Will White

Please email us to discuss the type of boat you would like along with sail color specifications, and delivery options.

Please Contact Us for Availability

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Description

• Reviews (0)

Sunfish Race – $6,150

The race version includes : -upgraded line package – outhaul – cunningham – all white class legal race sail with window – quick-release gooseneck., colors for the sunfish (check with shoreline for up-to-date information).

Ice Blue with Navy Blue Trim

Shoreline Sailboats is proud to be an authorized dealer for the Sunfish from Laser Performance.

LaserPerformance is the only builder of the original Sunfish.  We especially like the Sunfish for its versatility as a kid-friendly family boat, and an all out racing machine. We recognize the Sunfish as an amazing boat because it has such a long and rich heritage. Sunfish sailors are an incredibly diverse group who share a passion for one of the most popular boats ever conceived.

Most popular sailboat ever built:

Sunfish This is the classic boat you grew up with. World class racers such as Dennis Conner, of America’s Cup fame, and Gary Hoyt, who developed the Freedom class and won the first Sunfish worlds in 1972, learned to sail at the tiller of the Sunfish.

Will White’s  “The Sunfish Book” , “The Sunfish is pure sailing—the sail in the wind, the board in the water, and you in the hull in between—one hand on the tiller, the other on the sheet and the wind in your hair. Pure sailboat racing, too. For the racing sailor, it is the essence of yacht racing. It was the first truly one-design boat, rigidly controlled by the manufacturer, with even the sails limited to one loft (for measured sails) and very little that could be done in the way of adding expensive go-fasts. No need for a new set of sails every year. No need to keep buying or changing expensive hardware to keep up with the latest sailing theory.”

Contact  Shoreline Sailboats to get your Sunfish race boat!

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