Splash (dinghy)

The Splash Dinghy is 3.5 m (11 ft) in length and all boats are identical, thus, as is typical in One-Design classes, the sailor's ability rather than equipment is emphasised fleet racing. The boats employ an un-stayed mono rig with a sail area of 6.3 m2, which makes the class easy to handle by sailors ranging from 45 to 80 kg. This, combined with the low hull weight of 55 kg, allow the class to serve as a stepping stone between the Optimist Dinghy and boats such as the Laser Radial, suiting sailors in the age range from 13 to 21 years. Competitions are held at club, national and international level. In New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, and many other countries in Europe, the National Splash Associations arrange many events during the season, ranging from the travellers’ ranking series, training camps, coaching, national champs, and world selection trials. New boats cost around EURO 4500, but second hand boats are considerably cheaper and some clubs have schemes whereby sailors can charter boats until they decide to continue with the class. The Splash is capable of speeds of over 10 knots on a broad reach, and has performance very similar to Laser 4.7 - its Portsmouth Yardstick is 1184, slightly higher than the Laser 4.7. It is similar in appearance to a Laser hull but is shorter and wider and has a vertical bow.