Whirlwind 11 Information, Review, Specs

While Sears, Roebuck & Co. was never a traditional boat builder, they leveraged their vast retail network to act as a formidable distributor, offering a range of recreational craft directly to consumers. This unique model made boat ownership attainable for individuals who might not have lived near a marine dealership, fostering a broader interest in water recreation across the nation.

History and Design

The Whirlwind 11 entered production in 1973, reflecting Sears, Roebuck & Co.'s continued commitment to offering recreational boats through their famous "Wish Book" catalogs. Designed by the in-house Sears Design Team, the Whirlwind 11 was conceived as a small sailing dinghy, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use. This design ethos aligned perfectly with Sears's broader manufacturing philosophy of the era, which prioritized practical utility and widespread availability over high-end luxury or specialized performance. Sears aimed to make boating a realistic pursuit for the average American family by making boats available as consumer goods, alongside other household items.

The hull of the Whirlwind 11 is constructed from plastic polyethylene, offering durability and low maintenance, a characteristic well-suited for a beginner-friendly dinghy. Its daggerboard keel system allows for easy beaching and transport, further enhancing its accessibility. The boat was also sold under the Snark brand, sometimes referred to as the "Super Snark" with the Sears Whirlwind name.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small, lightweight sailing dinghy with a reported sail area of 45 square feet and a displacement of just 76 pounds, the Whirlwind 11 is designed for agile and responsive handling. Its lateen rig is simple to set up and manage, making it particularly forgiving for new sailors. The boat's light displacement means it can be easily launched and retrieved, and it performs best in lighter to moderate wind conditions. While performance ratios typically applied to larger keelboats (such as Sail Area to Displacement, Ballast to Displacement, and Displacement to Length) do not directly apply to such a small dinghy, the Whirlwind 11's design indicates a lively and easily driven hull.

Owners often describe its handling as straightforward and its balance as predictable, making it an excellent platform for learning the fundamentals of sailing. Its daggerboard keel provides good lateral resistance for upwind performance while allowing for minimal draft when retracted, perfect for exploring shallow areas. The open cockpit design ensures that any water taken aboard drains easily, which is a crucial safety feature for a small dinghy.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size and purpose as a day-sailing dinghy, the Whirlwind 11 does not feature an enclosed cabin or "accommodations" in the traditional sense. Instead, its layout is focused entirely on the open cockpit. The polyethylene hull forms a buoyant, unsinkable platform, often with integrated flotation. The cockpit provides seating for one or two individuals, with ample space for the sailor to maneuver and handle the sheets. There are no dedicated storage compartments, emphasizing its minimalist design for quick sailing outings. The open design promotes good ventilation and a direct connection to the water, suitable for its intended use on calm bodies of water.