Sonar

Description

The Sonar (also known as the Sonar 23) is a popular 23-foot one-design fractional sloop keelboat designed by Bruce Kirby (famous for the Laser dinghy) in 1979 and first built in 1980. It was commissioned by members of the Noroton Yacht Club in Darien, Connecticut, as a versatile club racer and family daysailer that seats up to 8 in its large self-bailing cockpit while remaining simple and responsive to sail. Early production was by Seidelmann Yachts, with later builders including C.E. Ryder, Shumway Marine, Ontario Yachts, DS Yachts, and a few by Carbon Index (UK); since 2015, it has been built by Rondar Raceboats (UK) as an International Class recognized by World Sailing. Approximately 860 boats have been constructed in total, with active fleets primarily in the US (East Coast, Midwest, Gulf), Canada, and Europe; new boats continue to be produced in small numbers. Key features include a modern hull with flat bilges for stability and planing potential, a lead-ballasted fin keel with spade rudder, a tall 3/4 fractional rig for excellent light-air performance, and a spacious, uncluttered deck layout. It excels as both a high-performance one-design racer (with mainsail, 100% blade jib, and spinnaker) and a stable daysailer, praised for its forgiving nature, fun handling, and durability in fiberglass construction.