There’s nothing like spending a few hours on the water in a Sonar, which was designed by famed boat designer Bruce Kirby to get more club members involved in racing. Fortunately, the Nyack Boat Club has its own Sonar fleet, and we’d love to invite you to join us for a day, or the season.  You don’t need to own a Sonar to sail with us; there are plenty of opportunities to crew on a boat, and Sonar owners are always looking for crew. Interest in sailing is more important than experience, as they are more than willing to share their knowledge of both the Sonar and our club. If you’d like to give a Sonar a try on a Sunday, contact me, the fleet captain Holly Cullen at  hollydcullen@gmail.com or show up at the Nyack Boat Club on a Sunday by noon, with races starting at 2:00 p.m.

 

 

The Sonar was born when Laser sailboat designer Bruce Kirby’s boat club couldn’t find the right boat to get their members involved in club racing; fewer and fewer of its members were participating each year. The club studied a great many existing classes of boats, but all were considered too expensive, too slow, too demanding to sail, or just plain uncomfortable. Instead, they asked Kirby to design a new one-design keelboat specifically to meet the club’s requirements. The new boat had to be exciting to race, but easy to handle by sailors of all ages, strengths, and skill levels. It also had to be safe and well-behaved so it could be used to teach those new to sailing sail, and to make the experience enjoyable while doing it. In addition, they needed the boat to be spacious and comfortable for longer day sails, and as well as trailerable and easy to launch. Finally, it had to have a solid but uncomplicated set of class rules.  The result was the Sonar, which has been greeted with enthusiasm by individuals and clubs all over the world.

THE SONAR CLASS

When the first fleet of Sonars was launched, the original fleet members recognized a need to create an organization with a constitution, by-laws and class rules that control the growth of the class. Early membership was just a few key people, but these people had a passion for this new and very special boat and their passion spread as new fleets sprang up around North America. Early membership grew at a rapid pace as boats were built.  Sonars worldwide now number over 800 with fleets in over six countries.

 

The Sonar Class Association has been the governing body for Sonar sailing worldwide since 1980. In 2000, the class gained “Recognized” status with the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the international governing body of the sport. 

For the History of Sonar Fleet 23...