Description
The Navigator Racing Sloop refers to the Bermuda sloop rig option for John Welsford's popular Navigator dinghy—a high-performance configuration originally conceived when the boat was designed as a club race trainer for three teenagers in a breezy, open venue. This rig emphasizes speed, close-winded ability, and rewarding sailing technique over the more common (and versatile) yawl setups that most builders choose today for cruising and daysailing.
Designer: John Welsford (the same as the standard Navigator; this is one of several rig variants he offers for the same hull).
Year of Introduction: 1993 (as part of the original Navigator design, which started with the big sloop rig before yawl options were added to suit cruising preferences).
Production History / Availability: Like all Navigators, it's plans-only for amateur or small-shop builders using glued-lapstrake plywood construction. The racing sloop variant appears in the plans as the "Bermuda racing sloop" or "performance sloop" (sometimes distinguished from a cruising sloop with slightly less sail area). It's less commonly built than the yawl rigs (lug yawl, gaff yawl, or gunter yawl), as owners often favor the yawl's balance, self-steering, heaving-to ability, and easier reefing/single-handing. However, the sloop rig remains a strong choice for those prioritizing upwind performance, club racing in mixed fleets, or lighter-air speed. Some builders have even explored dual-rig setups or conversions, though retrofitting from yawl to sloop is trickier due to mast position and balance.
