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Tipsy
Designer: Ernesto & Mario Quaranta  ·  Builder: Sibma Naval Italiana (Ita)  ·  First built: 1965
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About the Tipsy

Designed by Italian brothers Ernesto and Mario Quaranta in 1965, this compact centerboard dinghy represents classic European small boat design philosophy. Built by Sibma Naval Italiana with wood and fiberglass construction, approximately 200 hulls were produced during the boat's production run. At just over 13 feet overall, the Tipsy delivers impressive performance for its size through thoughtful proportions and a fractional sloop rig. The substantial sail area relative to displacement creates spirited sailing characteristics, while the centerboard configuration allows for shallow water exploration and easy trailering. Despite its diminutive size, the boat maintains seaworthy qualities with reasonable beam and a hull speed approaching 5 knots. This design excels as a single-handed daysailer or training boat for protected waters and coastal sailing. The Tipsy's combination of Italian craftsmanship and practical layout makes it well-suited for sailors seeking an authentic small boat experience. Its modest displacement keeps it responsive in light airs, while the fractional rig provides manageable sail handling. The boat's low comfort ratio reflects its purpose as a performance-oriented dinghy rather than a cruising vessel, making it ideal for sailors who prioritize sailing purity over accommodations.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 13.02 ft / 3.97 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 12.07 ft / 3.68 m
Beam 4.86 ft / 1.48 m
Max Draft 3.18 ft / 0.97 m
Min Draft 0.52 ft / 0.16 m
Displacement 143.00 lb / 65 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 102.00 ft² / 9.48 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Ernesto & Mario Quaranta
Builder Sibma Naval Italiana (ITA)
First Built 1965
Number Built 200
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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
 59.71
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 36.3
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 2.17
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
 3.72
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.66 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 209.60 pounds/inch
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