Super Sprite 10 (O'day) Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Super Sprite 10 begins in 1960, amidst O'Day Corp.'s rapid expansion and commitment to making sailing accessible. Founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, the company quickly became known for embracing fiberglass construction, allowing for mass production of consistent quality sailboats. The Super Sprite 10, designed by Robert H. Baker, reflects this ethos, offering a durable, low-maintenance vessel. It evolved directly from the earlier O'Day Sprite 10, which often featured a simpler lateen rig. The Super Sprite 10 upgraded to a fractional sloop rig, providing more sail area and a more conventional sailing experience. This design choice aimed to offer a more engaging and responsive boat while maintaining the simplicity and ease of use characteristic of O'Day's smaller craft.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 10-foot dinghy, the O'day Super Sprite 10 is not subject to the same performance ratio analyses as larger cruising sailboats. Instead, its design prioritizes responsive handling and light-hearted performance. With a reported sail area of 72 square feet, the Super Sprite 10 is intended to be a lively performer in a variety of conditions, capable of a theoretical hull speed of approximately 4.17 knots. Its fractional sloop rig provides efficient sail power for its size. The boat features a centerboard keel, allowing for both shallow-water access (with a minimum draft of 0.25 ft) and improved upwind performance when deployed (max draft of 3.42 ft). Anecdotal evidence from owners suggests it is a "fun little boat," and a popular choice for teaching children to sail, despite some discussions in forums about its potential to capsize if handled improperly, a common characteristic of many small, lively dinghies.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the O'day Super Sprite 10 is an open sailing dinghy, primarily designed for day sailing rather than offering extensive accommodations. There is no traditional interior layout, and headroom is not a relevant consideration for this type of vessel. The design focuses on a functional, open cockpit suitable for one or two sailors, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use. Any features would be limited to basic seating and perhaps minimal storage within the hull structure. Its construction from fiberglass solidifies its role as a robust and straightforward small boat, intended for straightforward recreational use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'day Super Sprite 10 frequently praise its fundamental role as an excellent learning platform for sailing, particularly for younger enthusiasts. Many appreciate its solid construction and the enduring appeal of a classic O'Day design. The community around the Super Sprite 10, like that for its predecessor the Sprite, often revolves around the restoration of these vintage dinghies. Owners are often found seeking replacement parts such as rudders and masts, or original manuals and construction details to aid in their maintenance efforts. The shared experiences among owners highlight its enduring legacy as an accessible and enjoyable dinghy, fostering a love for sailing across generations.