Tempo Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Tempo's story began in 1963, when Jack Köper, himself a backyard boat builder, introduced the design. Köper's philosophy centered on creating a high-performance dinghy that could be constructed by amateur builders, leveraging standard 4x8-foot sheets of plywood. This approach made sailing accessible to a broader audience and contributed to the Tempo's popularity. The defining characteristic of the Tempo is its scow hull form, which features a wide, blunt bow and stern, often described as having "extreme width at a low freeboard height." Despite the often-blocky appearance associated with scows, Köper specifically aimed for a "significantly more speedy hull design" for the Tempo, a characteristic sometimes referred to as a 'needle' shape in its class. The design also permits the use of a single trapeze, indicating its intent as a performance-oriented racing dinghy.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a lightweight dinghy with a displacement of just 175 pounds and a substantial sail area of 123 square feet, the Tempo is engineered for lively performance. Its scow hull, combined with a centerboard, provides excellent initial stability and allows for shallow water access. The fractional sloop rig is well-suited for controlling sail shape and power, enabling responsive handling. Reviewers note that the Tempo is slimmer than most comparable dinghies, contributing to its speed potential. For experienced sailors, the Tempo offers "rapid and sporting sailing qualities," particularly in moderate winds (wind force 4 to 5). Its design positions it as a nimble and exciting boat for racing or spirited day sailing. Given its small size and design as an open dinghy, traditional performance ratios like Sail Area to Displacement, Ballast to Displacement, or Displacement to Length are not typically applied, as they are more relevant to larger cruising yachts.

Accommodations and Layout

The Tempo is an open sailing dinghy, designed purely for on-water performance and day sailing rather than extended cruising or overnight stays. Consequently, it offers no interior accommodations, cabins, or standing headroom. The layout is focused entirely on the cockpit, providing space for two crew members to manage the sails and control the boat. This minimalist design emphasizes light weight and maximizes the area for active sailing.