Bombardier Invitation Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Invitation is characterized by a hull form that is slightly beamier and fuller in the bow than its primary competitors, which translates to a more forgiving ride in choppy water. With a length overall of 15 feet 7 inches and a sail area of approximately 90 square feet, the boat possesses a healthy power-to-weight ratio that allows it to plane easily on a reach in moderate breezes. Because it was designed by C&C, the underwater profile is sophisticated for a boat of its class; it tracks well and displays less of the "twitchiness" associated with narrower racing dinghies.

The unstayed mast—originally a two-piece aluminum sleeve—allows the sail to de-power naturally in gusts, a feature noted in historical technical reviews as a benefit for intermediate sailors. However, experienced helmspersons often find the Invitation slightly heavier than a Laser, which makes it less reactive in light air but more comfortable when the wind climbs above 15 knots. Its cockpit is notably deeper and more ergonomic than the flat decks of its rivals, providing better legroom and reducing the physical strain during extended hiking.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Invitation never achieved the global Olympic status of the Laser, it secured a permanent place in Canadian sailing culture. It was a staple of the "cottage boat" era in Ontario and Quebec throughout the 1970s and 80s. The boat's development is often cited in historical overviews of Bombardier’s diversification strategy during the 1970s energy crisis, as the company looked beyond snowmobiles. The Invitation is frequently featured in retrospective exhibits regarding Canadian industrial design and the legacy of Cuthbertson & Cassian (C&C).

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of an aging Invitation should focus their inspection on a few specific structural areas common to 1970s fiberglass construction:

• Mast Step Integrity: As an unstayed rig, the mast step bears the entirety of the sail’s leverage. Over time, the fiberglass surrounding the step can develop stress cracks or delaminate. Water infiltration here can rot the wooden reinforcement block beneath the step.
• Deck Softness: The deck is a sandwich construction. "Soft spots" or a "spongy" feel underfoot usually indicate that the core has separated from the fiberglass skin, often due to water entering through poorly sealed deck hardware or the hiking strap attachments.
• Hull Weight: Older Invitations are prone to "water weight." If the hull has been left on a shoreline or in high humidity, the foam flotation blocks or the fiberglass itself can absorb moisture. It is advisable to weigh the boat; a significantly "heavy" boat will struggle to plane.
• Centerboard Trunk: Check for vertical cracks at the leading and trailing edges of the centerboard trunk. These are high-stress points that can leak or weaken the hull's longitudinal stiffness.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and heritage information remains the Canadian sailing community. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer-backed class association, the boat remains a favorite in the Open Dinghy fleets of various Canadian yacht clubs. Technical diagrams and historical production context are occasionally archived by the C&C Yachts heritage groups, which recognize the Invitation as a significant, if small, part of the design firm's diverse portfolio.

The Verdict

The Bombardier Invitation is a well-engineered piece of maritime history that offers a sturdier, more stable alternative to modern "laser-style" dinghies. While it lacks the massive racing infrastructure of contemporary classes, its C&C pedigree ensures it remains a joy to sail for those who value hull lines and sea-kindliness over pure Olympic-level agility.

Pros

• Superior stability and cockpit comfort compared to the Laser.
• Proven C&C Design Group hull geometry for excellent tracking.
• Robust fiberglass construction capable of decades of use if stored dry.
• Easy to rig and launch single-handedly from a trailer or beach dolly.

Cons

• Heavier than modern performance dinghies, making it harder to manhandle on land.
• Replacement parts (specifically original spars and foils) are no longer in production.
• Limited one-design racing opportunities in the current era.