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The Javelin
The Javelin is a two man dinghy designed by Peter Milne in 1968. The original aim was to design a dinghy similar to the Flying Dutchman that everyone could handle on and off the water. The result is a sleek, smooth and fast but very forgiving dinghy with impeccable manners.
The hull and sail plan of the Javelin is strict one design. However, there is a more flexible approach to fittings and their placement which means each crew can set their boat up to suit them. With some limitations, this means the boat remains technically up to date.
The Javelin is renowned for its build quality and longevity. Coupled with the fact that each crew can choose their own systems and fittings, this means that old boats remain competitive for decades, not just a few short years. To keep costs down the class rule prohibits carbon masts and laminated sails. If it is shown that Carbon and/or laminated sails become cheaper then this rule may be relaxed.
The large cockpit area – you get “in” rather than “on” – provides protection and security. With its inherent stability and smoothness, the Javelin quickly moves from a racing machine to a superb platform for cruising adventures with the family.
The Javelin is successfully sailed on all types of water from the rivers and creeks of Norfolk, to the sea on the East & South coasts, such as Southwold S.C. and Chichester Yacht Club.
Javelins are also sailed on medium to large lakes, especially in the North and North West with fleets at reservoirs like Carsington Water, Glossop & District S.C. Kielder and Windermere.
The boat is also popular in Holland and Germany, with active Class Associations and an event program.
Whilst recent dinghy designs have targetted specific crew weights, power and makeup, with sometimes complicated rating and associated adjustments the Javelin is a true allrounder. Her flexible rig and kindly manner allows light weight crews to compete whilst her length does not disadvantage the heavyweights. A mixed crew has won our Nationals 4 times in the last five years.
The Javelin Class Association organises a full program of events around the UK each year, with usually a three day National Championship.
The highlight of the Javelin year is the European Championship organised in rotation by the UK, German & Dutch Class Associations. Whilst the event is called a Championship, it’s considered very much a holiday with our German and Dutch Javelin friends and as an added extra we get to try and beat them on the water.
For many the friendliness of the Class, both here in the UK and with our Dutch and German friends, is the most attractive benefits of being in the Javelin Class or as our European friends put it, the Javelin family.
The Javelin is a two man dinghy designed by Peter Milne in 1968.
Whilst recent dinghy designs have targetted specific crew weights, power and makeup, with sometimes complicated rating and associated adjustments the Javelin is a true allrounder.
