59 ER Information, Review, Specs

The Ovington 59er was produced by Ovington Boats Ltd. from 1998 to 2005. Its design came from the celebrated Bethwaite Design, led by Frank Bethwaite, who was known for his innovative approaches to high-performance sailing craft. The core philosophy behind the 59er was to deliver the thrill and speed of a modern skiff without the requirement of a trapeze, which often presents a barrier for many sailors. This goal aimed to create a dynamic sailing experience that was more forgiving and manageable, while still offering engaging performance. During this era, Ovington Boats was building its reputation on crafting "Built to Win" dinghies, leveraging advanced composite construction techniques and meticulous design to ensure both performance and durability, a philosophy clearly reflected in the 59er's construction of solid fiberglass for both hull and deck.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance, non-trapeze dinghy rigged with an asymmetric spinnaker, the 59er is engineered for exciting sailing. With a length overall of 15.75 feet and a lightweight displacement of just 165 pounds, it boasts agility and responsiveness. The boat is noted for being easy to sail upwind, allowing sailors to quickly find and maintain an efficient groove. While not requiring extreme pointing, it achieves its fastest upwind performance by focusing on optimal speed through the water. Owners and reviewers often describe the 59er as a "wind bomb" in stronger conditions, capable of exhilarating speeds with marginal planing drag. Its handling characteristics make it well-suited for a variety of sailing environments, performing well on lakes and proving "quite nice on the sea."

Accommodations and Layout

The Ovington 59er, being a purebred racing dinghy, is an open boat with no interior accommodations. Its design prioritizes on-water performance and crew efficiency within a minimalist cockpit. The focus is entirely on sailing dynamics, with no provision for overnighting or extensive storage beyond what is necessary for racing equipment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ovington 59er often highlight its solid construction and robust build quality, a testament to Ovington Boats' reputation for durability. Many appreciate its cost-effectiveness, describing it as "cheap to run." The boat is consistently praised for its exciting performance, particularly in stronger winds where it can be a "wind bomb," providing a thrilling ride. Its versatility is also a common theme, with owners finding it equally enjoyable for sailing on lakes and more exposed coastal waters. The 59er successfully delivers on its promise of being a high-performance skiff that remains accessible and enjoyable without the complexity of a trapeze.