Streaker Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Streaker dinghy was designed in 1975 by the prolific British naval architect Jack Holt, with its first launch occurring in November of that year. Holt's primary goal was to create a "lightweight Solo," addressing the challenges some sailors faced in handling heavier boats. This design philosophy emphasized ease of handling and nimble performance, making competitive sailing more accessible. Butler Boats, founded by Dave Butler, quickly embraced the Streaker as a foundational model, reflecting their early commitment to popular racing classes and the art of timber boat construction. The company's ethos, rooted in providing high-quality, performance-oriented dinghies, aligned perfectly with the Streaker's design principles. While originally offered in wood, a fiberglass version was introduced in 1998, with options for all-GRP/FRP, wood, or composite (FRP hull with wooden decks) construction becoming available. These variations, particularly the lengthened cockpit and shorter aft deck found on some GRP/FRP and composite boats, highlight the class association's efforts to keep the design current while retaining its core characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Weighing in at a mere 106 pounds (48 kg minimum weight) with a length overall of 12.73 feet and a waterline length of 12.14 feet, the Streaker is a remarkably lightweight and agile single-handed dinghy. This low displacement contributes significantly to its reputation for sprightly performance, particularly in lighter air. With a reported sail area of 70 square feet, the Streaker boasts a generous sail plan for its size, enabling it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed efficiently. Its hull speed is estimated at 4.67 knots.

Sailors consistently praise the Streaker for its excellent handling characteristics and balance. It is known for being responsive and fun to sail, providing a direct connection between the helm and the water. The boat’s design facilitates effective upwind performance and exhilarating downwind sailing, often likened to handling an asymmetric spinnaker boat when broad reaching. The relatively straightforward setup of the Streaker, with three key dimensions for mast positioning, further contributes to its user-friendly nature, allowing sailors to quickly achieve optimal rake for repeatable settings.

Accommodations and Layout

As a single-handed racing dinghy, the Streaker's "accommodations" are focused on a functional and comfortable cockpit designed for active sailing. The layout prioritizes ergonomics, ensuring that the sailor can easily manage controls and move freely during maneuvers. The cockpit is generally described as spacious and comfortable, allowing for effective body positioning to trim the boat and respond to wind shifts. While detailed interior amenities are absent, as expected in a performance dinghy of this size, the design is geared towards providing an efficient and uncluttered space for competitive sailing. Variations exist, with some GRP/FRP and composite boats featuring a lengthened cockpit and a shorter aft deck, which can influence the feel and space available to the sailor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently laud the Streaker for its solid construction, competitive performance, and ease of handling, making it a popular choice for club racing and recreational sailing alike. The option to purchase the boat as a DIY kit or a complete vessel from licensed builders like Butler Boats, allows for a personalized ownership experience. The Streaker Class Association actively fosters a friendly yet competitive racing environment, with owners often contributing to forums and discussions about tuning and class developments.

A common maintenance point noted by owners, particularly on older wooden or composite boats, can be issues with leaks around shroud plates, which is typically a manageable repair. The robust support from the class association and the availability of parts and advice further enhance the ownership experience, ensuring that the Streaker remains a cherished and actively sailed dinghy for decades. Many owners commend the design's longevity and its continued relevance in modern dinghy racing.