Strale Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Strale was originally designed by Ettore Santarelli in 1964, a passionate and talented designer who began his career in the early 1960s. His designs, including the Strale, achieved considerable success. La Prairie, a significant force in the European marine industry between 1965 and 1978, began its production of the Strale in 1970. Operating from its shipyard in Recoux, La Prairie was renowned for its impressive output, producing up to 5,000 boats annually with a workforce of 30 employees, largely focusing on dinghies and small sailboats. The company's focus was on affordability and usability, employing modern manufacturing techniques, likely utilizing fiberglass, which was becoming prevalent for mass-produced recreational boats. While La Prairie was a prominent builder, the Strale was also produced by other European shipyards, including Bianchi & Cecchi in Italy, further cementing its widespread availability and popularity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Strale, with a length overall of 16.08 feet and a waterline length of 14.27 feet, is fundamentally a performance-oriented dinghy. Designed as a two-person "Jolle" (dinghy) equipped with a trapeze and spinnaker, it signals a design intent for energetic and competitive sailing. Its fractional sloop rig and centerboard hull type suggest a boat that is responsive and agile on the water. The light displacement of 265 lbs, combined with a relatively generous reported sail area of 137 sq ft, indicates a boat capable of accelerating quickly and performing well in a range of wind conditions. With a theoretical hull speed of 5.06 knots, the Strale is designed to offer an exhilarating sailing experience for its size, demanding active participation from its crew. Due to its classification as a small dinghy, traditional performance ratios applied to larger cruising vessels are not directly applicable.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 16-foot two-person dinghy, the La Prairie Strale does not feature an enclosed cabin or traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its layout is entirely focused on a functional open cockpit designed for active sailing and racing. The cockpit provides space for two crew members, allowing for efficient boat handling, particularly when utilizing the trapeze and spinnaker, which are characteristic features of the Strale class. The design prioritizes ease of movement and access to control lines, essential for a performance dinghy. Storage onboard would be limited to small, often open, compartments within the cockpit for essential sailing gear. The hull and deck are constructed from fiberglass and wood composite, offering a durable yet lightweight structure suitable for its intended use as a nimble day sailer or racer.