Heron Dinghy

Description

The Heron is a classic 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m) two-person plywood dinghy designed in 1955 by New Zealand naval architect Jack Holt, originally as an inexpensive, easy-to-build boat for families and sailing schools. With its distinctive pram bow, hard-chine hull, 4 ft 6 in beam, and very shallow draft (4 in board up, ~3 ft board down), the Heron weighs only about 140–160 lbs. complete and is easily car-topped or trailed. It carries a simple, unstayed gunter-rigged sloop with a high-peaked mainsail (75 sq ft) and small jib (23 sq ft) on a short alloy mast, giving lively yet forgiving performance and the ability to plane in a breeze. The single centerboard and transom-hung rudder make it ideal for shallow waters, while the wide side decks and bench seats provide stability and comfort for adults or children alike. Over 10,000 Herons have been built worldwide (mostly amateur) since the 1950s, and it remains an active one-design class in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the UK – a timeless, low-cost entry into sailing that teaches real boat-handling skills without intimidation.