Paper Tiger Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Paper Tiger can be traced to Ron Given's design in 1968, with production by builders like Formula Sailcraft commencing as early as 1967. Given's vision was to create a boat suitable for the amateur builder, originally favoring plywood construction, even famously sketching the initial design on the back of a Weetbix packet. This ethos aligned well with Formula Sailcraft's focus on producing lightweight, responsive, and competitive one-design boats that nurtured strong community participation.

While initially designed for plywood, the class evolved, and a fiberglass version was introduced in the mid-1970s. Today, class rules are flexible, allowing hulls to be constructed from plywood, fiberglass, kevlar, or carbon fiber. This adaptability has contributed to the class's enduring popularity and enabled innovations such as composite builds incorporating fiberglass and plywood, as well as modern versions featuring aluminum beams and trampoline decks. With over 6,000 Paper Tigers registered worldwide, the design has certainly achieved lasting international appeal.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 13.98-foot catamaran with a wide beam of 6.99 feet and a light displacement of 160 pounds, the Paper Tiger is designed purely for exhilarating performance. Its cat rig, featuring a fully battened sail and an aluminum mast, is optimized for speed and agility. The class rules permit adjustable downhaul and outhaul, allowing sailors to fine-tune the sail for varying conditions. Notably, the Paper Tiger's mast is designed to be bendy, a characteristic that differentiates it from other catamaran classes and allows for dynamic rig control.

Equipped with daggerboards and twin rudders, the Paper Tiger offers excellent upwind performance and precise control. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the boat is responsive and handles well, though mastery of boat handling skills and upwind tactics is crucial for competitive racing. Skippers often adapt their sailing style to suit the boat's characteristics, highlighting the active and engaging nature of sailing a Paper Tiger.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a compact, single-handed racing catamaran, the Paper Tiger does not feature traditional interior accommodations. The layout is focused entirely on performance and ease of handling for the sailor. The deck typically consists of an open cockpit area, often featuring a trampoline deck between the hulls for crew movement and weight distribution. All beams are mandated to be mounted flush with the deck, contributing to a clean and efficient platform. The design prioritizes minimal structure to maximize speed and responsiveness on the water.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Paper Tiger for its enjoyable, competitive racing experience and its relatively low cost of entry into performance sailing. The strong class associations in Australia and New Zealand are frequently highlighted as a significant strength, fostering a vibrant community, organized racing, and technical support. This robust network ensures that owning a Paper Tiger is an entry into an active and passionate sailing community.

However, a recurring issue noted by owners, particularly in timber-built boats, is the tendency for leakage through the centerboard case. This common problem often stems from inadequate sealing and can be a point of frustration, though marine-grade plywood is recommended for durability in timber constructions. Despite this, the overall consensus points to the Paper Tiger as a "nice light boat" that offers excellent value and exciting racing.