Little is known about this model other than it was advertised as an ‘economy’ version of the EXPLORER 17, without the cuddy/cabin.
Evolution Non-BR
Discount Sails
Boater’s Closet Non-BR
Hull: Centerboard Dinghy
Dinghy with pivoting centerboard
Built by ALCAN (Aluminum Company of Canada Ltd.)
Sold in US through:
Aero-Craft Boat & Canoe Co.
A Div. of Browning Arms.
Rhodes design #794
This PETREL should not be confused with another somewhat earlier fiberglass dinghy of the same name, built by Pearson Yachts.)
Thanks to John Wright for providing corrections and brochure photo.
aka TOPAZ XENON
Total Sail Area (incl Gennaker) 29.91m²
Mainsail 9.92m²
Jib 3.61m²
Gennaker 16.38m²
Trapeze optional
One of the the most popular and competitive dinghy classes in New Zealand until the mid-1960s and part of New Zealand sailing history.
Revised design for plywood construction by John Spencer in the 1960’s.
Boats also built and raced in Australia.
Main & Jib = 160 sq. ft.
Spinnaker permitted.
Disp. is an estimate.
At one time the largest dinghy class in South Africa. Designed for home builder using plywood. Until 2006 the SPROG was the one design dinghy sailed at all South African University championships.
The reported SA above is based on the information in the drawing. We have also seen a reported SA of 8.3 m² / 89 sqft.
Mainsail: 9.5m2/ 102 sq.ft.
Jib: 7.5m2/80.7 sq.ft.
Spinnaker: 18m2/194 sq.ft.
1 trapeze permitted for racing.
Alt version with fin keel & spade rudder.
Disp. 370 kg/1036 lbs.
Draft: .83m/2.72′
High performance 2 man dinghy that fell into the shadow of a very crowded field of similar boats at the time including, most notably, the 470.
Image and data from original brochure.
Sail Area:
Jib:4m2/43 sq.ft.
Mainsail:14m2/107 sq.ft.
Dinghy with side deck and self-bailing cockpit.
Basic dimensions shown in an advertisement from ‘Popular Boating’ magazine, Jan., 1965.
The BAREGAT 17 never sold in large numbers.
Bruntons
Electric Yacht
