Please select your home edition
Edition
RYA Membership

Designing and building a modern cruising dinghy, small & capable - John Welsford

by Australian Wooden Boat Festival 1 Dec 2025 08:38 UTC
Designing and building a modern cruising dinghy, small & capable - John Welsford - AWB Symposium © Australian Wooden Boat Festival

A dinghy cruising resurgence is upon us! Perhaps it's due to the increasing costs of owning larger boats, or the romance fuelled by books like Swallows and Amazons and Those Snake Island Kids, or the fact that cruising dinghies can be built by anyone with moderate woodworking skills in their backyard...

John Welsford is a small boat designer with ten generations of boat building under his belt. John has been building small boats and exploring the New Zealand coastline from an early age and now has over 40 designs to his name with thousands having been built and sailed all around the world. John describes his role as:

"A creator of dreams. Really, that's the aim of a designer of small recreational boats."

Watch renowned small boat designer John Welsford, in conversation with Matt and Ben from Small Craft Tasmania as they discuss the sophisticated art of designing a capable cruising dinghy, and what to look for in choosing a design to suit specific needs.

Related Articles

Oyster World Rally 2030–31 announced
The definitive supported circumnavigation returns The definitive supported circumnavigation returns as the next generation of Oyster owners prepare to sail 27,000 nautical miles across three oceans. Posted today at 7:56 am 'Cruising the Isles of Scilly' webinar
A firm favourite for many cruising sailors For many cruising sailors, the Isles of Scilly are a firm favourite. With clear turquoise water, sheltered anchorages, white sand beaches and an abundance of plants and wildlife, they offer an experience that feels far removed from the mainland. Posted on 3 Mar Aquila grows in the Sail market
Adding eight new dealers representing its sailing segment Following the recent launch of its first sailboat, Aquila Catamarans has added eight new dealers representing its sailing segment. These join Aquila's expansive network of over 100 dealers across the world. Posted on 3 Mar Sailing Zingaro explains use of PredictWind - 1
First of a four part series in which James Everson explains his practical use of PredictWind Sailing Zingaro's James Everson gives a clear, practical introduction using PredictWind to show what modern weather tools can do for sailors, mixing technology with practical seamanship and planning, to help you have a safe and enjoyable passage. Posted on 3 Mar Introducing the INS300
Zhik's new inshore jacket The INS300 is Zhik's new inshore jacket. Engineered with 2-layer construction, water-resistant zippers throughout, and micro-fleece lined torso for warmth and comfort. Posted on 27 Feb Sustainability takes Centre Stage
Sail design competition raises awareness thanks to Christchurch SC team "Ocean Warrior" was the winning design in a Oppie Sail Design competition organised by the Christchurch Sailing Club Sustainability Team, led by Rear Commodore Sustainability, David Riley, in conjunction with the Junior Sailing team. Posted on 27 Feb Henri-Lloyd's PRO Program supports professionals
For those who rely on high-performance clothing to do their jobs Henri-Lloyd has launched its new PRO Program, created to support professionals who rely on high-performance clothing to do their jobs in challenging environments. Eligible professionals can apply via the Henri-Lloyd website. Posted on 26 Feb Beaulieu River photo competition 2025
Maggie White seals fourth win The stunning picture of a seal and pup has won the Beaulieu River photo competition for the fourth time for keen amateur photographer Maggie White. Posted on 25 Feb What 5.5 Tonnes of Forestay Load Does to an Oyster
Balancing power and safety with Cyclops Marine Oyster 885GT 'Babiana' dominated the Oyster Palma Regatta this year, with bullets in all but the final race. With Ian Howarth onboard as tactician, and the boat purring in all conditions, it gave us a golden opportunity to take a closer look at the loads. Posted on 25 Feb Quiet Achiever
100 days in. Best part of 5000nm to go. Maybe one more month or so at sea. Record awaits you. Just slugging it out. Bit over one hundred days have passed now. Under 5000nm still to run. Something like 30 to 45 days left to get back to the Iron Pot near Hobart. The living embodiment of, 'In order to finish first, first you have to finish!' Posted on 24 Feb
Hyde Sails 2024 - One DesignPantaenius 2022 - SAIL & POWER 1 FOOTER ROWHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2026 Sail-World Cruising Northern Hemisphere and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy