Smaller than most of the boats we report on, the Origami folding sailing dinghy has arrived.
Some time ago we reported on the Wooden Widget Origami folding dinghy. With the price of plans starting at a mere £25 and an estimated build time only a matter of hours, it offered a cheap and easy way to get out on the water.
Previously the Origami, which is small enough to be folded up and put in the boot of an estate car, could only be adapted into a rowing boat and / or used as a tender with an outboard. These new plans however illustrate how to complete a simple conversion, which includes the introduction of a retro fit sailing rig, to allow you to harness the power of the wind.
Manufacturers Wooden Widget claim that the transformation should take less than 4 hours to complete and that the sailing rig takes just a few minutes to assemble, meaning you can be out on the water in no time. An Optimist sailing rig, easily purchased new or second hand, is recommended for the fitting, but note that the Origami 6 sailing dinghy will require the Optimist sail to be cut down.
The Origami sailing dinghy uses a pivoting lee board (placed on starboard but it could go on port if desired) which is said to ensure good windward performance and not consume too much of the interior space. The square shape and weight of the dinghy, aided by the fold down floor, allegedly gives a responsive, stable sailing experience. Handles have been built into the floor making Origami easy to move about when folded.
For more information, visit www.woodenwidget.com.
Dimensions Origami 6
- Folded: 6'2" (188cm) Long - 17" (43cm) Wide - 4" (10cm) High
- Assembled: 6'2" (188cm) Long - 3'2" (97cm) Wide - 14" (35cm) High
Dimensions Origami 8
- Folded: 8' (2.4m) Long - 18" (45cm) Wide - 4" (10cm) High
- Assembled: 8' (2.4m) Long - 40" (100cm) Wide - 16" (40cm) High
