Sonatina Class Information

The Sonatina was intended to be fast in light winds as well as strong. The one-page technical review by Robert Perry in the June, 2002 issue of Sailing Magazine was very complimentary and with many other magazine appearances there have been enquiries from all over North America.

The feedback from those who have sailed her is very complimentary!
Some of the quotes heard:

  • "This boat feels like I wish my Laser felt!"
  • "This is twenty times more fun than my CL 16!"
  • "I have only ever had this speed on a trapeze boat!"
  • "This is the most fun I’ve had in years! I am in love with this boat!"
  • "It takes the waves so smoothly!"
  • "How does she compare with other boats I have sailed? Kicks butt!"
  • "This boat is so beautiful!!"
  • "Wow, I saw you flying out there!"

Sonatina Performance

Her performance in light airs has impressed many people who have sailed her, or those who have watched her accelerate in the puffs. She is a joy to sail in a light breeze. The low weight of the boat and generous sail area make her surprisingly responsive and she moves smoothly in the water.

As each puff hits, she responds quickly, and if the gust is strong enough she skims to a plane well before other boats do. This is because the scow shape carries the width of the planing surface well forward, which contributes to a stable hull form as well.

Heavier winds have been a fine testing ground; the Sonatina passed with flying colours! We have challenged the Sonatina in winds of 25 knots, on one occasion while another new design opted to stay on shore. In these conditions she planes easily and flies down the front of the waves.

As a puff hits, bear off and she swooshes down the wave in a burst of speed. The boat feels lively and enjoyable, yet she is quite steady especially as the speed picks up. Spray flies out sideways, separates at the chine and drops down to the surface, leaving one drier than on many boats.

In 2003 the Sonatina raced a fleet of much larger M16 scows, in medium to full-hiking breezes. Out of about 15 boats, we finished third in each of two races. We have paced other well-known larger performance boats and are consistently quicker than expected.

Who will sail her?

The Sonatina was designed for two adults, who want a boat that is reasonably stable for learners, but responsive and exciting enough to keep them interested as experts. Building her was intended to be within most people's ability, without the need for expensive tools.

A second group who would love the Sonatina is juniors who are ready for handling a full-sized performance dinghy. Her responsive performance and skill teaching ability is superior, and the skills acquired are transferable to any other boat.

For this opportunity, we are testing a spinnaker and trapeze combination, which adds a wonderful boost to her speed. In winds of around 8 knots, she was already surfing the waves and planing at the speed of the wind.

Single handing the Sonatina with FlexRig

For single-handing in more wind than is comfortable with two sails, or for people who do not want to handle both main and jib, one can remove the jib and go sailing cat-rigged. The optional FlexRig uses a second forestay that attaches to the mast several feet below the regular forestay. This encourages the mast to bend, flattening the mainsail, and de-powers the rig. She still is quick to plane off wind in a breeze with the single sail, as there is still 89 sq ft of sail to drive you!

Sonatina Building Kits

The Building Kit includes all of the materials needed to build the hull. There are 6 sheets of top quality Okoume marine plywood (5 mm 5 ply BS 1088, Lloyds Approved), selected low-density Philippine mahogany lumber (pre-sized to the required dimensions), fiberglass cloth and tape, 2 gallons of epoxy resin and hardener, with measuring pumps, 6 epoxy application rollers, 8 disposable brushes & a pack of latex gloves; box of brass nails, and three stainless steel chain plates.

Builders supply their own sandpaper to suit their sanders and the lumber and fastenings used for the jig and a cradle, which are available from local building supply stores at modest cost, and the selected final finishing varnish.

Sonatina Plan Sets

The Plan-Set includes full size drawings of the frame sections, so there is no lofting, and 1:10 scale for the plan view and elevation. There are several detail drawings too. The 70-page building directions include: a plywood cutting guide, helpful building tips and illustrations, and comprehensive lists of the materials (Metric and Imperial) required for the hull, and a fitting out guide. It is illustrated with drawings and photographs.

The Plan-Set purchase includes registration with the Sonatina One Design Class Association and 3 years free membership, design fee, class rules document with measurement guide (being prepared), and on-line or telephone help during building.

Other Supplies for the Sonatina

The Sails are part of the One-Design feature (to avoid an “arms race,” protect the value of the boat, and to hold down costs), and must be made from the pattern developed with North Sails South Africa. They are purchased exclusively through Sea K Designs.

A Fitting Out Kit to include all fittings and lines is available, pricing to be determined based on owner requirements. Spar section blanks and rigging can be sourced through us also, or may be found locally.

Conclusion

The Sonatina has been judged to be interesting enough by no less than ten boating magazines! These include a full page in the top rated glossy large-circulation magazine Sailing, (June 2002), an article in Sailing World, the leading performance-sailing magazine in the USA (September, 2002), and three pages in Ontario Sailor.

See the test-sail review by Adam Sterkowitz and other information on this website:

Please contact the Designer if you have any questions, or if you would like to place an order!