About the Mirror dinghy
Compared to me the Mirror dinghy is a youngster. It was designed in 1962 by Jack Holt and TV DIY expert Barry Bucknell, in conjunction with the Mirror newspaper - hence the distinctive red sails. The result was a robust, versatile and fairly light boat that can be easily maintained and repaired, and can also be got into the water very quickly from storage or transport.
The Mirror has been highly sucessful. My Mirror "Auk" is number 68302, but more than 70,000 have now been constructed. Mirror number 1 can be seen in the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth. Mine can be seen regularly sailing in Mount's Bay along with a number of others!
The Mirror is a first class choice for children or teenagers learning sailing for the first time and for progressing to dinghy racing. It is light and stable enough to be sailed safely by two young teenagers, but in bad weather it remains well behaved - I have no doubt that my Mirror is capable of making the voyage from Scilly to Marazion. Also, many sailing clubs have Mirror fleets so there is no shortage of advice. Many top sailors learned their trade in Mirrors.
Facts about the Mirror:
Length: 10'10" (3.3m)
Width: 4'7" (1.39m)
Weight: 100lbs (45.5kg)
From the start, the Mirror was promoted as an affordable boat, and it has probably done more than any other design in the UK to make dinghy sailing a sport available to anyone. It is versatile - cruise, row, motor, fish, sail or race. And, if you wish you can build it yourself!
To sponsor our Mirror sail from the Scilly to Marazion, visit my justgiving.com page.