Description
The Mirror Dinghy (often simply called the "Mirror") is a classic, two-person sailing dinghy renowned for its affordability, ease of construction, and accessibility. Designed in the early 1960s by British naval architect Jack Holt, it was sponsored by the Daily Mirror newspaper, which gave it its name and signature red sails. Over 70,000 units have been built worldwide, making it one of the most popular dinghies ever produced. It's an International One-Design class recognized by World Sailing, ideal for beginners, families, racing, and casual cruising.
The Daily Mirror newspaper sponsored the project to promote affordable boating to working-class families, launching it in 1963. Priced at half the cost of competitors like the Heron or Gull, it exploded in popularity through massive promotion and kit sales. By the 1970s, VAT hikes slowed sales, but its legacy endures. The Mirror's origins trace back to 1960 when BBC DIY expert Barry Bucknell built a prototype plywood dinghy for his son using an innovative "stitch-and-glue" construction method (pioneered for canoes by Ken Littledyke). This involved wiring plywood panels together like a chainmail stitch, then fiberglassing the seams for strength. Jack Holt refined Bucknell's design into the final hull.
The Bermuda mainsail is now a legal alternative to the traditional Gunter rig (see the class rules below).
In open class racing, however, the gaff rig is effectively extinct at competitive levels. If you turn up to a modern Mirror open meeting with a gaff rig you’ll have fun, but you’ll be sailing for mid-fleet or lower unless the wind is extremely light and fluky (where the slight area difference can sometimes help off-wind).
Bottom line: For anyone intending to race Mirrors seriously in 2025, buy or rig a Bermudan boat. The gaff is beloved for its history and aesthetics, but it no longer wins races.
