Enterprise (Int) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the International Enterprise dates back to 1955 when renowned designer Jack Holt was commissioned by the News Chronicle newspaper to create a new class of boat aimed at making sailing more accessible to the public. Launched in 1956, the Enterprise quickly gained international recognition, with two dinghies even crossing the English Channel in January of that year. Holt, a pioneer in designing plywood dinghies, played a crucial role in popularizing the sport following World War II, and his philosophy for the Enterprise centered on affordability and widespread appeal.

Rondar Raceboats, established in the mid-1960s, has been a key builder of the Enterprise, aligning with their core ethos of precision construction and commitment to the racing community. Rondar specializes in high-performance one-design race boats and has consistently been at the forefront of technical development, embracing modern composite construction techniques. The company's Enterprise hulls are based on a World Championship-winning design, underscoring their dedication to competitive performance. In 2010, Rondar collaborated with the Enterprise class association to introduce a new, modern deck and internal design, further refining the boat's ergonomics and functionality. While the class maintains strict one-design principles, allowing for consistency in racing, variations in cockpit layout and fittings are permitted to accommodate individual preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Weighing in at a mere 200 pounds with a length overall of 13.29 feet, the Enterprise is a light and easily-driven boat, designed for agility and responsive handling [12,. Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and a centerboard, she offers versatility for varying conditions. While primarily a two-person dinghy, the Enterprise can also carry a spinnaker of 66 sq. ft., adding a thrilling dimension to its downwind performance [4,.

Owners often praise the Enterprise's substantial sail area, which makes it well-suited for sailing on smaller lakes and in lighter airs. Its double-chined hull contributes to its stability, and many sailors find it more forgiving than other performance dinghies, such as the Laser. The boat is generally easy to rig, making it convenient for recreational use as well as competitive sailing. While the Enterprise is known for its ability to point well upwind, sailors should be mindful of its spirited nature in windy and gusty conditions, requiring attentive handling. The high boom is often noted as a beneficial feature, particularly when sailing with younger crew members.

Accommodations and Layout

As a racing dinghy, the International Enterprise prioritizes a functional and efficient cockpit layout rather than traditional accommodations. The design aims for a roomy and uncluttered space, essential for crew movement during racing and comfortable general sailing. The class rules allow for some variations in cockpit layout and fittings, enabling owners to customize their setup while adhering to one-design principles. Rondar Raceboats, as a builder, typically incorporates comfortable cockpit designs with minimized protruding hardware and sharp edges in their boats, a philosophy that extends to their Enterprise construction, enhancing crew ergonomics and safety during demanding sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the International Enterprise frequently commend its robust construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics. Many describe it as a "fantastic boat" that offers a rewarding sailing experience. Its generous sail area is a particular strength, allowing for lively performance even in light winds. The boat's ease of rigging is also a commonly cited positive, contributing to its appeal for both casual sailors and club racers. Furthermore, its inherent stability, often noted as superior to some other dinghies, along with a high boom, makes it a popular choice for families and those introducing new sailors to the sport. The boat's pointing ability is generally considered good, making it competitive on the racecourse.

However, some owners have noted specific areas for attention. The lively nature of the boat in strong winds and gusts can be challenging for less experienced sailors. Common maintenance discussions among owners sometimes revolve around the potential for leaks around the centerboard case and water ingress into side tanks, issues that may require periodic attention and repair, particularly in older fiberglass models.