History and Design
The Proctor Typhoon Dinghy entered production in 1969, with its manufacturing concluding in 1971. Designed by Ian Proctor, a prolific architect responsible for numerous successful dinghies and small cruisers, the Typhoon was a product of a period when the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU), now World Sailing, sought a new high-performance two-man dinghy. Proctor's design philosophy aimed to create a "performance boat" built around an "innovative and exciting SMOD hull" (Strict One-Design) that also allowed for individual rig development. Chippendale Boats, under the leadership of Jack Chippendale, was a natural fit for this project, known for its unwavering commitment to producing world championship-winning craft and its expertise in wooden, and later fiberglass, racing dinghies during the "golden era" of UK dinghy sailing. The Typhoon Dinghy was notable for being one of the first boats of its type specifically designed by Proctor for fiberglass production, rather than wood. Despite its promising design and esteemed builder, the concept did not gain widespread traction, and only a limited number of these dinghies were built.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The Proctor Typhoon Dinghy, with its length overall of 14.5 feet and a remarkably light displacement of just 165 pounds, was unequivocally designed for speed and agility. Its generous reported sail area of 134 square feet, complemented by a 150 square foot spinnaker, indicates a powerful rig for its size, suggesting lively performance, especially in conditions with adequate wind. The inclusion of a trapeze on some models further underscores its identity as a demanding, high-performance racing dinghy, requiring an active and skilled crew to extract its full potential. With a minimum draft of 0.45 feet with the centerboard retracted and a maximum draft of 2.2 feet with it deployed, the Typhoon offers versatility for launching and retrieving, while the deep centerboard provides the necessary lateral resistance for upwind performance.
Accommodations and Layout
As a dedicated two-crew racing dinghy, the Proctor Typhoon Dinghy prioritizes an open and functional cockpit designed for competitive sailing rather than interior accommodations. The layout is optimized for efficient crew movement and sail handling. The design would feature a clean, uncluttered cockpit floor, essential for quick maneuvers and managing a spinnaker. The open nature of the boat, consistent with high-performance dinghies of its era, means there are no enclosed living spaces or traditional "headroom" to speak of, focusing entirely on performance and on-the-water functionality.