Key details
- Current boat name
- Optimist
- Boat class
- 7603
- Function
- Sports and Leisure
- Type
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 3.57 / 11ft 9in
- Beam (m / ft)
- 1.45 / 4ft 9in
- Leeward
- Centreboard
- Propulsion
- Engine
Design and build
- Designer
- Holt J
- Date of build
- 1950?
- Place of build
- Leicester
Current status
- Present use
- Sailing
History
Built from a kit in the late 1950’s as a Jack Holt designed Vagabond sailing dinghy. OPTIMIST was damaged and sunk whilst holiday sailing on Lake Coniston. Although rescued, she was stored for years waiting to be repaired. Eventually, she was extensively altered and re-built as an electric-powered river launch. Now used as a trailboat on the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal and has featured in the TV documentary 'Locks and Quays'. January 2008