Mirror Fleet

Mirrorspage

Shustoke Fleets: Mirror

The Mirror dingy has probably done more than any other boat to introduce people to sailing. Designed in 1962 by Jack Holt (who also designed the Enterprise, the GP14 and the Solo) and by TV do-it-yourself expert Barry Bucknell, its hull consisted of marine ply panels joined with copper wire stitches and fibre glass tape. The spars - mast, boom and gaff - were short enough to fit inside the 3.3 metre hull, enabling the craft to be transported on the roof of a car. It took its name from its sponsor, the Daily Mirror. With its versatility - it could be sailed, rowed or used with an outboard - and its sea-worthiness, it soon caught the public imagination and many thousands were built by both professionals and amateurs. The design remained largely unchanged until 2006 when the class rules allowed for glass fibre hull and bermuda rig as alternatives to the original marine ply and gunter rig.

Sail numbers now exceed 70 000 and with over 40 listed in the Shustoke Membership Directory, the Mirror is the most numerous class in the boat park. A new boat costs around £4000 but there is a large second-hand market where modestly priced boats can be found. The Mirror can be raced single-handed or with a crew.

A typical weekend at the club will see up to a dozen Mirrors racing with the other classes. Some sailors take their craft to national and international meetings.

Most of our fleet are single-handers. Competion is keen but whether you are young or old, a beginner or a seasoned sailor, a single-hander or a crewed boat, you are welcome to join us.

If you are interested in sailing a Mirror at Shustoke and want more information,contact

Brian Nicholson
(tel. 01675 464 574, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

or call at the club at the weekend or Thursday afternoon.

Brian Nicholson
Fleet Captain