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Solo
Designer: Jack Holt  ·  Builder: Butler Boats  ·  First built: 1956
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About the Solo

Designed as a single-handed dinghy, the Solo has earned a devoted following among sailors who value close competition, technical skill, and the pure challenge of racing alone. Originally designed by Jack Holt and introduced in the mid-20th century, it has become one of the most popular and enduring one-design classes in the United Kingdom, with a thriving racing circuit that continues to attract competitive sailors of all ages. The Solo's appeal lies in its demanding yet rewarding nature. Sailed without a spinnaker, the class places a premium on boat handling, upwind technique, and tactical awareness rather than raw speed or crew coordination. This makes it an excellent choice for sailors looking to sharpen their racing instincts in a highly competitive one-design environment. The active class association ensures strong fleets at club and national level, meaning racing is rarely short of close battles. For those considering their first serious foray into single-handed racing, or experienced sailors seeking a deeply competitive and well-supported class, the Solo represents a compelling and time-tested option.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 12.42 ft / 3.79 m
Beam 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Max Draft 3.42 ft / 1.04 m
Min Draft 0.40 ft / 0.12 m
Displacement 150.00 lb / 68 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 90.00 ft² / 8.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Cat (Marconi)
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Jack Holt
Builder Butler Boats
First Built 1956
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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
51.04
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
3.95
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