Back to Search
Gp14
Designer: Jack Holt  ·  Builder: Bell Woodwordking Ltd.  ·  First built: 1949
+ Add to Compare
About the Gp14

Originally designed as an affordable training dinghy, the GP14 has evolved into one of Britain's most enduring small sailboat classes. This versatile two-person dinghy emerged from the General Purpose 14-footer concept, created to provide sailing clubs with an economical yet capable boat for teaching and recreational sailing. Built with simplicity and durability in mind, the GP14 features a stable hull form that forgives novice mistakes while still offering enough performance to keep experienced sailors engaged. The boat's forgiving nature and predictable handling characteristics have made it a cornerstone of sailing instruction programs across the UK and beyond for decades. The design strikes an excellent balance between stability and responsiveness, making it equally suitable for sailing school fleets, family recreation, and club racing. Its robust construction typically handles the inevitable bumps and scrapes of learn-to-sail environments, while the straightforward rigging system allows sailors to focus on fundamental techniques rather than complex boat handling. Today's GP14 continues this practical tradition, offering an accessible entry point into sailing while maintaining the seaworthy qualities that have sustained its popularity through generations of sailors seeking reliable, enjoyable dinghy sailing experiences.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 14.01 ft / 4.27 m
Beam 5.05 ft / 1.54 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 293.00 lb / 133 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 103.00 ft² / 9.57 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Plywood/GRP/FRP/Composite
Designer Jack Holt
Builder Bell Woodwordking Ltd.
First Built 1949
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
37.4
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
3.04
Find a Gp14 For Sale