Penguin Information, Review, Specs

Designed for a range of purposes from learning to frostbiting, the Penguin embodies a straightforward approach to sailing, emphasizing stability, responsiveness, and sheer fun on the water. Its enduring presence in sailing communities across the globe underscores its effectiveness as a training vessel and a competitive racing dinghy for a single or double crew.

History and Design

The Penguin dinghy's story begins in 1939 with its designer, Philip Rhodes, who envisioned an inexpensive and easily built one-design boat primarily for "frostbiting" – sailing in colder months. This design philosophy led to a boat that could be constructed by amateur builders from plans, quickly fostering a vibrant class association. The boat's long production history, starting in 1939, saw thousands built, showcasing its widespread appeal.

A significant evolution for the Penguin class occurred in 1959 when fiberglass construction was officially approved. It was at this juncture that Ron Rawson, a visionary in marine construction and founder of Ron Rawson, Inc., became involved. Notably, the Penguin was among the very first boats Ron Rawson constructed using fiberglass, predating or coinciding with his firm's later, more extensive foray into larger fiberglass commercial fishing vessels and cruising sailboats. This early adoption of fiberglass for the Penguin aligns with Rawson's foundational ethos of leveraging this revolutionary material for durable and reliable vessels. Ron Rawson, Inc., which later became known for building "tough and able" fiberglass cruisers like the Rawson 30, brought its burgeoning expertise in composite construction to the Penguin class, ensuring these early fiberglass versions inherited a robust build quality.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its diminutive size, the Penguin dinghy is celebrated for its lively and engaging sailing performance. With a length overall of just over 11 feet, it provides a direct and responsive connection to the water. The boat is characterized by its simple cat rig, featuring a single mainsail (69.36 sq ft), which contributes to its ease of handling and quick setup.

Owners and enthusiasts frequently describe the Penguin as "salty," stable, and remarkably responsive, making it an excellent platform for both novice sailors learning the ropes and experienced racers seeking competitive dinghy action. Its design ensures it is quick and fun to sail, offering a lively performance even in lighter breezes. The Penguin's centerboard keel allows for a shallow minimum draft of 0.33 ft, enabling access to very shallow waters, while its maximum draft of 3.83 ft with the board down provides lateral resistance for efficient upwind sailing. This versatility, combined with its inherent stability, makes it forgiving for new sailors yet challenging enough for racing.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact, open dinghy measuring 11.42 feet in length and 4.67 feet in beam, the Rawson Penguin does not feature traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its layout is entirely focused on functional sailing and racing. The cockpit comprises the primary "interior" space, designed to comfortably accommodate one to two crew members for sailing.

The construction, whether in its original wooden form or later fiberglass versions, emphasizes simplicity and durability. There are no enclosed cabins, galleys, or berths, as the boat's purpose is day sailing, racing, and training. The open design facilitates easy entry and exit, efficient crew movement during maneuvers, and quick draining of any spray or rainwater. Any storage would typically be found in small, open compartments or tied-down bags within the cockpit area, consistent with a utilitarian dinghy design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Penguin dinghies consistently laud the design for its stability, ease of handling, and overall robust construction. The boat's simplicity is often cited as a major strength, contributing to its low maintenance requirements and the joy of pure, unadulterated sailing. Many appreciate its suitability for teaching sailing, noting its forgiving nature for beginners. The enduring presence of older models, both wooden and early fiberglass, is a testament to their solid build quality, allowing them to withstand years of use and enthusiastic sailing.

While generally praised, common owner discussions sometimes revolve around the maintenance of traditional wooden components like spars and centerboards on older models, which may require periodic care. However, the strong sense of community within the International Penguin Class Dinghy Association often provides a valuable resource for support and shared knowledge among owners. The Rawson Penguin, in particular, benefits from the builder's reputation for sturdy fiberglass construction, contributing to its longevity and continued appeal among those who value a reliable and enjoyable small sailboat.