When sailing downwind, they simply eased the cunningham and heeled the boat to weather. The flat aft section sections and straight run allowed it to scoot along. "I think about how much little kids are going to want to sail the boat," says Stewart. "I also think the kids are going to like the fact that it has the cool sail and the cool features and was simple to sail."

The beginner's rig is a 41-square-foot Dacron sail that furls around a two-piece aluminum mast. The performance sail, which is a 57-square-foot laminated Mylar sail, is carried on an aluminum mast with a pre-bent topmast. On the performance rig, the boom is linked to the mast so when the sail is eased the mast rotates, keeping the topmast section in plane with the boom. The sail can also be roller reefed for heavy-air sailing.

The judges all agreed the Bug is ideal for sailing clubs, as it gives beginners or more advanced sailors an enjoyable ride. There really isn't any other dinghy designed to do all that Richards has stuffed into this sweet little boat.    

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Pros: Simple, fast, and fun to sail with a plethora of features that make the boat great for beginners and experienced junior sailors.

Cons: It's too small for adults to sail, and we want to.

Designer's mission accomplished?
LaserPerformance wanted a boat that would appeal to yacht club's junior sailing programs. Jo Richards has hit the sweet spot with this clever and versatile little dinghy.

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Laser Performance Bug Specs

LOA: 8'5"
Beam: 4'3"
Draft: 2'9"
DSPL: 77 lbs.
SA: 57 sq. ft.    
Designer: Jo Richards
Price: $2,650
www.laserperformance.com

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