Douglas & McCloud Thistle Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · centerboard

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

17' · 5.18 m

Disp.

515 lbs · 234 kg

First year

1945

The Douglass & McLeod Thistle is one of the most enduring and recognizable racing dinghies in North American sailing history. Designed in 1945 by Sandy Douglass, this 17foot open boat was envisioned as a lightweight, highperformance racer that could plane easily in moderate winds while remaining accessible to amateur sailors. Its distinctive plumb bow, wide beam, and elegant "U" shaped hull have made it a staple of yacht clubs for over seven decades. Originally constructed from molded plywood by Douglass & McLeod in Ohio, the design successfully transitioned to fiberglass in the early 1960s, a move that preserved the class's longevity and competitive parity. The boat’s enduring appeal lies in its "onedesign" philosophy, which ensures that older hulls remain competitive against modern builds, provided they are wellmaintained.