Is the Windsong the sailboat of the future? John Owles designed the sailing dinghy Windsong to prove the value of the traditional lug rig, combining it with a lightweight cedar hull. The prototype has gained attention for its unusual design, combining classic aesthetics with the ability to plane at speed, and has attracted its first buyers. Plans for Windsong are now available for download, with enthusiasts in the US already building their own versions.

• John Owles created the Windsong sailing dinghy to demonstrate the effectiveness of the traditional lug rig.
• Windsong features a quadrilateral sail and a lightweight cedar hull, contrasting with modern Bermudan rigs.
• The design combines old-school aesthetics with the performance capability of planing at speed.
• The prototype gained attention, securing initial buyers and positive reviews, including being called “possibly the coolest wooden boat ever built”.
• Plans for building Windsong are available for download, leading to international interest and construction.
• Two new Windsong boats will be sailed by a young team along the UK’s coasts. Continue reading https://www.ft.com/content/9541f5dc-e50d-4fb7-8472-de4987d05cea