Sonnet dinghy kits from CKD Boats cc

We have been asked to supply plans to the Sonnet class design by Jack Koper,as luck would have it,a set of the original plans were just around the corner.From these we can now offer kits,starting with the bulkhead stations,rudder and drop keel shapes,the hull flats and decks will follow.

Contact kits@comlumber.com for pricing.

Sonnet original plans set.

Sonnet bow construction detail drawing.

Robert unrolls his original Sonnet plans for the first time in many years,originally purchased off Jack Koper himself,Robert never got around to building his new boat.

Some info on the design as posted by the Imperial Yacht Club,thank you for the use of your pictures.

Sonnet class dinghy,designed by Jack Koper,circa 1956

The Sonnet, of which more than 500 have been built in South Africa. The Sonnet was based on the stunning success of the very popular 12-foot Dabchick, a junior trainer that is fleet of foot, yet stable and great fun to sail. That class numbers more than 5,000, and it is still very active; every well-known South African sailor learned to sail and race on a Dabchick. The Sonnet was also derived from the 15-foot Tempo, aimed at the more expert sailor with trapeze and spinnaker.

The Sonnet is also an ideal boat for junior sailing.

The prototype is built in plywood covered with epoxy glass for strength and durability, just like the Chesapeake 18 sea kayak. The boat looks stunning in its coat of glossy varnish.

The hull weighs in at 140 pounds, so it has the advantage of being very quick to plane and it ís a lot faster reaching than similar sized dinghies. Compared with Midwest scows, the Sonnet has a much lower displacement, and the V-bottom creates a better hull shape. Itís a great feeling to skim over the waves at speed. Juniors and novices enjoy the performance and get hooked quickly.

And there will be an additional rig available soon.Note that when you heel the Sonnet between 10 and 15 degrees you get the leeward bottom panel about flat with the water, which makes the boat quite stable.

This shapely little rocket would make an excellent family winter project, not to mention a wonderful family dinghy.

A dinghy with a history and horsepower that you can build yourself.

Specs:

LOA 14'6" Sail Area 122 sq. ft. (main and jib)

Beam 4'6" Weight 188 lbs.