Coypu Dinghy

Description

The Coypu (also known as the Coypu dinghy) is a small, classic British sailing dinghy designed for stability, ease of use, and beginner training. It's particularly popular in the UK (especially Norfolk Broads area) for youth programs, sailing schools, scout groups, and family outings on inland waters, lakes, or protected coastal areas. Designed by Alan Buchanan (a noted British naval architect known for various cruising and small-boat designs), it was built in fiberglass (GRP) primarily by Dawn Craft of Wroxham (Norfolk, UK), with some variations from builders like Barton Turf Outdoor Centre. The design dates to the mid-20th century (likely 1960s–1970s era), emphasizing a wide, flattish hull for exceptional stability — it prioritizes forgiveness over high performance, making it hard to capsize and ideal for novices or mixed-ability crews. Production limited — a regional/class boat rather than mass-produced. Exact numbers unknown (not in major databases like sailboatdata.com for full specs), but likely in the low hundreds or fewer, built mainly for UK inland/school use.