Tasar Information, Review, Specs

The Tasar's story began in 1974, with the first production model exhibited in October 1975, designed by Frank Bethwaite and Ian Bruce. Bethwaite's philosophy was to create a fast, responsive boat that could be competitively sailed by a two-person crew, specifically designed to be raced by a man and a woman, without the need for a trapeze or spinnaker. This design was a "labour of love" to develop a new boat that could offer astonishing speed compared to the trapeze and spinnaker racing boats prevalent at the time, essentially a "consumerised Nova" (a re-rigged NS14).

Over its long production run, which continues to the present day, the Tasar has been built by several manufacturers worldwide, including Performance Sailcraft and Rondar. Xtreme Sailing Products, founded in 1993 by Tim Ross and Paul, later joined the ranks of Tasar builders and distributors, beginning to import Bethwaite-built boats from Batam, Singapore, around 2005. Xtreme Sailing Products' manufacturing ethos, focused on producing robust, high-performance dinghies that adhere strictly to international class rules, aligns perfectly with the Tasar's design principles. While the core one-design principle has been steadfast, the Tasar has seen some evolution. Notably, in the late 2000s, hardware changes were introduced, along with the option for Mylar sails, providing upgrades that enhanced the boat's performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tasar is celebrated for its agile design and exceptional speed, making it suitable for both competitive racing and recreational sailing. As a lightweight, high-performance double-handed racing dinghy with a length overall of 14.83 feet and a displacement of just 141 lbs, it is designed for a dynamic sailing experience. Owners consistently report that the boat "sails great," offering a thrilling and responsive ride. The boat's design facilitates excellent handling characteristics, with its fractional sloop rig and daggerboard allowing for fine-tuning of performance. The cockpit and thwart design are specifically engineered to optimize crew positioning, ensuring that the skipper, whose hands are often occupied, has an ergonomic and efficient layout. This thoughtful design contributes to the boat's balance and its ability to handle various sea states effectively, proving capable of sailing upwind from a lee shore or returning to a weather shore.

Accommodations and Layout

As a high-performance racing dinghy, the Tasar is not designed with traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its layout is entirely focused on optimizing sailing performance and crew efficiency. The deck and cockpit are meticulously designed to provide an uncluttered and functional space for two crew members. The open cockpit features a robust thwart, strategically placed to aid in hiking out, a critical component of sailing a high-performance dinghy effectively. All control lines are typically led to within easy reach of both skipper and crew, allowing for precise trim and adjustments during racing. The fiberglass hull and deck construction ensure a stiff and durable platform capable of withstanding the rigors of competitive sailing. The design prioritizes ergonomic crew positioning and ease of movement, essential for dynamic racing maneuvers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tasar frequently commend its solid construction and exhilarating performance. The boat is consistently praised for being a lively and engaging dinghy that offers a rewarding sailing experience. Its robust nature means that even older models, such as those from the 1970s, can remain in excellent sailing condition if well-maintained. The Tasar boasts an active international one-design class association, fostering a strong community among sailors and providing excellent support for owners. While specific "common problems" are not widely reported beyond typical wear and tear expected of any aging sailboat, the supportive class community provides resources for parts and maintenance, ensuring a robust ownership experience. Hardware upgrades over the years, including improved options and Mylar sails, demonstrate a commitment to keeping the class competitive and modern.