Sonar class, Paralympic Games

by Australian Yachting Federation on 9 Oct 2000 Designed by Canadian naval architect Bruce Kirby in 1979, the Sonar is a 23', 2100lb, three/four person,
one-design keelboat. The boat is wide (7'10") and heavily ballasted (900lbs). These factors make it stable and
eliminate the need for hiking.

The cockpit is large and uncluttered despite the fact that it is divided in two by the traveler (helmsman aft,
crew forward). The cockpit is flanked on either side and at the stern by wide (17") moulded seats with high
sloping backs. The base of the seating slopes outwards 15 degrees thus ensuring stability for paraplegic crew
members when the Sonar heels. Further stability is provided by hand-hold recessed into the top inboard edge
of the coaming, and an aluminium rub-rail with a raised flange along each side.

The Sonar is fractionally rigged for its size, it has a relatively a large main sail and a small jib (total area 250
square feet). The mast is set atop the keel and can be chocked with positioning blocks on the top of the cabin.
Backstay tension can be controlled from mid-cockpit (either side). The mainsheet can be trimmed from either
forward or aft of the traveller. The jib sheet (single purchase) comes back to small winches mounted on wither
side of the cabin top.

The tiller is vertically hinged. This enables a paraplegic helmsman to transfer from side to side across the stern
seat. An additional thwart can be added to facilitate transfer of a paraplegic forward hand.

The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) has endorsed the Sonar for use in World
Championships and Paralympic regattas until at least 2004. The Sonar was used in the 1996 Paralympics in
Atlanta and the 1998 World Disabled Sailing Championship in Newport USA. It was also used in the 1999
World Disabled Sailing Championships in Cadiz, Spain.

Designer : Bruce Kirby, Canada, 1979

Overall Length : 23'

Beam : 7' 10"

Draft : 3'11"

Displacemant : 21001lbs

Construction : GRP

Sail Area : 250sqft

Crew : 3

Australia's Sonar Class Representatives for the 2000 Paralympic Games are Noel Robbins, Jamie Dunross and Graeme Martin.