Squib Class

The first National Squib took to the water in 1968 making 2018 the 50th Anniversary of the class.

The first Squib appeared at the Royal Tay Yacht Club in 1971 and was quickly found to be an ideal cost effective competitive boat well able to cope with the River Tay's strong tides. As a result, there is still a popular competitive, but friendly fleet at RTYC today.

Since 1968 over 900 Squibs have been built, but as a strict RYA controlled one design class, old boats remain competitive with newer boats. With second-hand boats changing hands from as little as around £1,000, considerably less than some racing dinghies, it is a great way to get afloat in an exciting but very giving safe yacht. Many husband/wife teams successfully campaign Squibs.

The Squib is just under 6.0m (19ft) in length and is designed to be raced with a crew of two although there is room for more crew if needed, or just for cruising. With an all-up weight of 680kg, the Squib is easily handled both ashore and afloat and can be trailed by a medium-sized car. Having a glass-fibre hull it is also a low-maintenance boat.

With its distinctive brown sails the Squib has been described as "a lovely little yacht" but when being sailed competitively can readily be appreciated for performance characteristics more akin to a racing dinghy, but with one big advantage, it does not capsize! The Squib Class in the Tay hold a Tuesday series along with some individaul trophy races and are regulars at club events.

The club now has access to 2 squibs that can be used by club members and a 3rd one is operated by TST, mainly for training purposes.

For more details about the Squib click HERE

Squib and Keelboat Calendar

Squib and Keelboat sailing calendar

Last updated 20:50 on 25 March 2024