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El Toro
Designer: Charles Mcgregor  ·  First built: 1939
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About the El Toro

Originally designed as a simple, single-handed sailing dinghy, this compact boat has earned its reputation as an ideal trainer and recreational vessel for sailors of all ages. Built with simplicity in mind, it features a basic cat-rigged design with a single sail that makes it exceptionally easy to handle and maintain. The El Toro's forgiving nature and stable characteristics have made it a popular choice for sailing programs, youth training, and casual day sailing in protected waters. Its lightweight construction allows for easy car-topping and launching, while the straightforward rigging system means sailors can be on the water quickly with minimal preparation. This boat excels in coastal waters, small lakes, and harbors where its nimble handling and shallow draft prove advantageous. The design prioritizes safety and ease of use over speed, making it particularly well-suited for beginning sailors learning fundamental skills or experienced sailors seeking a relaxing day on the water. While not intended for offshore adventures or serious racing, the El Toro delivers exactly what it promises: uncomplicated sailing enjoyment. Its enduring popularity among sailing schools and recreational sailors speaks to the thoughtful design that prioritizes accessibility and fun over complexity.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
Beam 3.83 ft / 1.17 m
Max Draft 1.50 ft / 0.46 m
Min Draft 0.50 ft / 0.15 m
Displacement 80.00 lb / 36 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 49.00 ft² / 4.55 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Pram (Daggerboard)
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Charles McGregor
First Built 1939
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
42.23
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.56
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