Dinghies

The yard built a number of class dinghies, including Optimists, OK, Flying Dutchman, Snipe and maybe others. As more information becomes available, this page will be more informative.

OK

Dane Svend Jakobsen became the first world champion in the OK dinghy in 1963 in DEN 112. This boat was built by Pedersen and Thuesen in 1958. Danish yacht designer Knud Olsen designed the light and fast single-handed sailing dinghy in 1956 based on conventional plywood construction.  The resulting design was named the O.K., using Knud Olsen's initials in reverse. The O.K. was intended as a preparation class for the Olympic Finn. In the 60s and 70s, the OK class enjoyed an explosive success, with the total number of boats exceeding 10,000 and large racing fleets building up. 

Flying Dutchman

In the summer of 1952 the name Flying Dutchman was suggested by Sir Peter Scott, the then president of the IYRU. International trials were held on the Loodrecht lakes and on the open water of the Zuiderzee at Muiden. 17 boats participated. The results were clear and the FD was adopted with the limitation "for continental lakes only" and another set of trials was set up for 1953 at La Baule on the open sea.  After its performance there it was granted full status. In 1957 the FD was selected to replace the Sharpie at the 1960 Olympic Games in Naples, and deselected in 1992 in lieu of the 49'er. By the 60's there were fleets globally. In 1956 the FD participated in the cross- channel race from Folkestone to Boulogne and was the fastest two-man dinghy in the race! The design was known for being the fastest two-man centre board dinghy in the world. Construction was originally in moulded plywood. 

The Snipe

The Snipe is a 15 ½ foot, 2 person, one design racing dinghy, which was designed by William Crosby of the USA in 1931. It has evolved into a modern, tactical racing dinghy with fleets around the world. The Snipe is simple, easy to sail and trailer.