Description
The Whilly Tern, designed by Iain Oughtred in 1986, is a 15 ft 6 in (4.72 m) glued-lapstrake plywood sailing and rowing skiff inspired by traditional Scottish west-coast fishing boats, optimized for solo or duo coastal day-sailing, fishing, and short camp-cruising in sheltered waters with a shallow-draft hull, flared sides, and wineglass transom for smooth tracking and stability. Featuring a 78 ft² (7.25 m²) standing lug sail (or optional gaff sloop) on an unstayed mast, a daggerboard, and efficient rowing with 8 ft oars, it weighs around 180–220 lbs (82–100 kg), offers built-in flotation, and can sleep one under a boom tent. Built from 6 mm marine ply using stitch-and-glue lapstrake, the Whilly Tern is prized for its classic lines, forgiving performance, and amateur-friendly construction, with detailed plans available from the WoodenBoat Store or Classic Marine, making it a favorite among heritage sailors and home builders.
