History and Design
The creation of the Stealth dinghy in 2006 marked an evolution in C&L Boatworks' legacy of producing robust and user-friendly small sailboats. Designed by Tim Kernan, the Stealth was envisioned as a versatile skiff, capable of delivering "blistering speeds" and enabling sailors to "reach around the bay" with ease. This aligns with C&L Boatworks' enduring ethos, established by founders Henry Croce and Ken Lofthouse, which prioritizes quality construction and a user-friendly experience in their small boat designs. The company, known for its "hand-laid" fiberglass technique, aimed to build durable vessels suitable for a wide range of enthusiasts. Builder Article The Stealth was notably added to the C&L line by Tom Oleksiuk, who had moved the CL Sailboat Shop's operations to Fort Erie. While there is no indication of significant production variations, discussions among enthusiasts suggest the potential for enhancing its performance further with larger spinnakers or refined foils, positioning it as a spirited alternative to popular dinghies like the Laser.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The Stealth, with a length overall of 14.47 feet and a narrow beam of 5.64 feet, is designed for spirited performance. JSON, 1 Weighing in at a mere 170 pounds of displacement, it is an exceptionally light and responsive boat. JSON Its cat-rig configuration simplifies sail handling, making it an approachable option for single-handed sailing enthusiasts. JSON, 6 The daggerboard keel provides significant versatility; with a maximum draft of 3.5 feet, it offers good upwind performance, while its ability to be retracted to a minimum draft of just 0.43 feet allows for easy launching, shallow-water exploration, and beaching. JSON The reported sail area of 92 square feet, complemented by an optional 120 square foot spinnaker, suggests a powerful sail plan for its lightweight hull, indicating a boat eager to accelerate and perform well in a variety of wind conditions. JSON Designed as a "skiff for all sailors," the Stealth is built to be a fast and engaging ride.
Accommodations and Layout
As a dedicated performance dinghy, the Stealth is designed for open-cockpit sailing and does not feature any enclosed interior accommodations. Its layout is focused entirely on maximizing sailing efficiency and handling for the helmsman and any single crew member. The open design facilitates easy movement and provides an unencumbered connection to the water, characteristic of high-performance day-sailing dinghies.