EL Toro Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the El Toro lies with Charles MacGregor's original Sabot design, first introduced in The Rudder Magazine in 1939. MacGregor's vision was to create an inexpensive, easily constructed, and simple-to-sail dinghy, making sailing accessible to beginners and children alike. The El Toro emerged as a specific West Coast adaptation of this fundamental design, tailored to local conditions and racing traditions. Production for the El Toro, much like its Sabot brethren, began in 1939, and the type continues to be built and actively raced today, a testament to its enduring appeal. With over 11,000 units constructed, it stands as a prolific and influential design.

Interestingly, the early days of building these popular dinghies saw the involvement of Ron Moore, who would later establish Moore Sailboats and revolutionize yacht design with his ultralight displacement boats like the Moore 24. Moore's initial forays into boatbuilding included crafting Sabots and El Toros, providing a fascinating precursor to his later, more performance-oriented endeavors. The El Toro's design emphasizes ease of handling with its single, cat-rigged sail and a simple daggerboard, making it an ideal platform for learning the fundamentals of sailing while also offering responsive performance for competitive racing. Its hull is typically constructed from fiberglass and wood composite, offering a durable yet lightweight structure that contributes to its agility and longevity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact dimensions, with a length overall of just under eight feet and an exceptionally light displacement of 80 pounds, the El Toro is characterized by nimble and responsive handling. It is widely praised for being a stable and forgiving boat, making it an excellent choice for novice sailors and youth training programs. Despite its small size, the El Toro is known to be surprisingly capable in varied conditions, providing an exciting ride and demonstrating the ability to plane in stronger winds.

The cat-rigged sail plan simplifies rigging and sail trim, allowing sailors to focus on steering and boat handling. Its daggerboard keel system offers flexibility, allowing for a minimum draft of half a foot for launching and retrieving, while extending to a maximum draft of 1.5 feet for effective upwind performance. This combination of stability, responsiveness, and simple controls has cemented the El Toro's reputation as a lively dinghy, particularly favored for frostbiting and competitive club racing on the West Coast.

Accommodations and Layout

As a small, open-cockpit dinghy, the El Toro does not feature traditional interior accommodations. Its layout is focused entirely on utility, ease of sailing, and accessibility. The open cockpit provides ample space for one or two small sailors, making it easy to maneuver within the boat, manage lines, and perform essential sailing tasks like bailing. The simplicity of its design ensures minimal clutter, allowing for unobstructed movement and clear sightlines, which are crucial for learning and racing. The practical and straightforward layout reflects its primary purpose as a training vessel and a fun, accessible racing platform.