The Tech Dinghy is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
29.1
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Capsize Screening
2.97
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Capsize Screening Formula
2.97
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Tech Dinghy — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Tech Dinghy.
| Tech Dinghy | Beetle Cat | Butterfly | Byte | Firefly | Sailfish Alcort | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 12.0 | 12.3 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 11.6 |
| LWL | — | 11.7 | — | 10.5 | 11.8 | — |
| Beam | 4.7 | 6.1 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 2.6 |
| Displacement | 250 | 450 | 137 | 99 | 260 | 82 |
| Sail Area | 72 | 140 | 75 | 58 | 68 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 29.1 | 38.2 | 45.2 | 43.4 | 26.7 | — |
| Comfort | — | 5.3 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 4.4 | 3.3 |
| Capsize | 2.97 | 3.18 | 3.49 | 3.68 | 2.93 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.2 |