Koralle JR. (Kolibri) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Koralle JR. (Kolibri) began in 1970 under the auspices of Atlanta Bootsbau, a company founded by Klaus Scheeberger in 1957 in Bavaria, Germany. Scheeberger, the principal designer for Atlanta Bootsbau, focused on creating well-designed, accessible small sailboats that balanced performance with ease of management. This philosophy aligned perfectly with the development of the Koralle JR., which quickly gained a reputation for being both "fun and fast."

Atlanta Bootsbau embraced the transition to fiberglass construction during this era, utilizing the material for the Koralle JR.'s hull and deck, ensuring durability and relatively low maintenance. The design features a daggerboard, allowing for a minimal draft of just 0.33 feet when retracted, making it ideal for navigating shallow areas or beaching, yet extending to 2.25 feet for sailing performance. While some larger vessels in Atlanta Bootsbau's "Koralle" series featured a double swing keel, the Koralle JR. specifically employs a daggerboard, a distinct characteristic for this nimble dinghy. The design's popularity even led to other boats, such as the Canadian-built Echo 12, being based on its successful lines. Sadly, Atlanta Bootsbau's promising trajectory was cut short by the untimely death of Klaus Scheeberger around 1975, with the company ultimately folding by 1978.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its diminutive size, the Kolibri Koralle JR. is celebrated for its responsive and easy handling characteristics. With a length overall of just 12 feet and a lean displacement of 130 pounds, it is an exceptionally light and nimble dinghy. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring 82 square feet of reported sail area, contributes to its "fast and fun" reputation. The daggerboard, extending to 2.25 feet when fully deployed, provides the necessary lateral resistance for efficient upwind performance.

Sailors generally find the Koralle JR. to be a lively performer, well-suited for light breezes and capable of providing an engaging experience in moderate conditions. Its design emphasizes maneuverability, making it ideal for exploring protected waterways, small lakes, and coastal areas. The boat is praised for its ability to respond quickly to helm input, offering an enjoyable sailing experience for both novice and experienced dinghy sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 12-foot utility dinghy, the Kolibri Koralle JR. is designed for open-air sailing and does not feature enclosed accommodations. Its layout is simple and functional, focusing on maximizing space for crew and gear during day sails. The open cockpit provides ample room for one or two adults, or a small family, along with any necessary provisions for a short outing. The absence of an enclosed cabin underscores its primary role as a day sailer, a vessel intended for immediate enjoyment on the water rather than extended cruising. The robust fiberglass construction of both hull and deck ensures a durable and low-maintenance platform for its intended use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kolibri Koralle JR. generally express high satisfaction with these small vessels, frequently praising them as "great little boats" that are "fast and fun to sail!" Their lightweight design and simple rigging make them easy to launch, retrieve, and transport, contributing to their appeal as accessible recreational sailboats. Many appreciate their responsiveness and suitability for learning to sail or for casual outings. A common observation among owners, however, is that while robust for their size, these boats can be "a little fragile around rocks," suggesting that careful handling is advisable when navigating very shallow or rocky areas to preserve the hull's integrity.