Atlantic Dinghy 2026

Modification Plan Overview

The Wayfarer, a 16-foot sailing dinghy designed by Ian Proctor, is being prepared for a 14-day solo Atlantic crossing from Kinlochbervie, Scotland, to Heimaey, Iceland, in August 2026, covering approximately 700–800 nautical miles. Its 60kg ballasted centreboard and FRP foam sandwich construction provide exceptional stability, as noted by Hartley Boats. The North Atlantic’s harsh conditions require specific modifications to enhance strength, safety, and comfort. This plan outlines reinforcements, safety upgrades, and solo sailing adaptation.

Boat Modifications

Strength

• Hull Reinforcement: Inspect and reinforce high-stress areas, such as the centreboard case, mast step, and chainplates, using fibreglass patches or marine plywood to withstand prolonged wave impact.
• Rudder and Centreboard: Apply fibreglass to the rudder blade and centreboard with marine-grade epoxy to prevent breakage, as advised in Dinghy Cruising with Phillips.
• Transom Reinforcement: Strengthen the transom with additional fibreglass layers to support potential outboard motor use or heavy wave impacts.

Buoyancy

• Drainage: Install a manual bilge pump to complement the self-draining system, which includes transom scuppers, an Elvstrom bailer, and a hand bailer as backup.

Protection

• Handholds: Add grab rails in the cockpit for secure movement in rough conditions.
• Gear Security: Use straps or netting to secure all gear, preventing shifting that could destabilise the boat.

Repair

• No specific repair modifications detailed, but general maintenance preparedness implied through robust reinforcements.

Power

• No specific power modifications detailed in this section, but power-related systems are addressed under rigging and control.

Rigging & Control Systems

• Reefing Systems: Ensure the slab reefing for the main sail (8.83 sqm) and furling genoa (2.79 sqm) are fully functional for quick sail reduction in strong winds.
• Storm Sails: Carry a storm jib for extreme conditions, as larger sails may be unmanageable.
• Rigging Upgrades: Replace standing and running rigging with high-quality materials, ensuring fittings like cleats and blocks are robust (e.g., Allen or Sea-Sure hardware).
• Mast Lowering: Implement a system to lower the mast easily, securing it in crutches during storms to reduce windage, as used by Frank Dye in Practical Boat Owner.
• Self-Steering: Install a lightweight sheet-to-tiller system or small windvane for self-steering, allowing the solo sailor to rest, as described in Self-Steering Gear.
• Boom Vang: Add a robust boom vang to maintain sail shape and control in high winds, enhancing sail efficiency.
• Try Sail Track: Add an extra track for a storm trysail.

The dinghy measures 4.827 meters (15 feet 10 inches) in length, 1.855 meters (6 feet 1 inch) in width, and has a draft of 1.169 meters (3 feet 10 inches). The hull weighs 190 kilograms, with an optimal sailing weight range of 80 to 190 kilograms (12 to 30 stone). It can carry a crew of 1 to 6 people. The main sail has an area of 8.83 square meters, the genoa sail covers 2.79 square meters, and the asymmetric spinnaker spans 13.5 square meters. The mast is 6.78 meters (22 feet 2 inches) long, and the boom measures 3.175 meters.

The Wayfarer’s construction features a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) foam sandwich with bulkheads, an epoxy-coated ballasted centreboard, and an FRP rudder, ensuring stability and durability. The mast, boom, and pole are made from Super-spars stayed tapered aluminium for strength and lightness. Control systems include a kicker and Cunningham led to both sides of the thwart, an outhaul on the boom, genoa tracks with ratchets and cleats, a Hellier roller reefing genoa, and a slab reefing main for efficient sail management. The dinghy is equipped with high-quality Allen and Sea-Sure hardware throughout. The sails are made of 5.5-ounce Dacron for the cruising main with reef points and the roller reefing genoa, while the asymmetric spinnaker is crafted from Dynacote silicone-coated material for performance. The Wayfarer was designed by Ian Proctor, known for creating stable and versatile sailing vessels.

Support This Epic Voyage

Join an historic solo dinghy crossing from Scotland to Iceland in 2026. Your sponsorship will fund critical equipment (~£30,000) and showcase your brand globally.

Act now—financial or equipment contributions welcome. Sponsors’ logos will shine on the boat, with exclusive voyage photos for your use.

ATLANTIC DINGHY PROJECT

Jason Allardyce

Brig o' Turk
Callander
FK17 8HT

Telephone: 01877 381466

Mobile: 07788 316688