About the heronThe Heron sailing dinghy is approximately 3.2 metres (11'3") long and was designed by Jack Holt of England with the design being published in 'Yachting World' on April, 1951. There are over 400 boats that have sailed in Australia.
The Heron is sailed by two people and is ideal as a family day-sailor or a family racer. The Tasmanian Heron Yacht Racing Association was the first organisation set up to govern sailing Herons in Australia The Heron can be built from plywood, fibreglass or composite. The Heron can be built by the average handyman with most boats sailed being home-built. There is a plan for a Heron that must be built to the nationally accepted measurements if it is to be raced at state or national level. Changes to the measurement rule in recent years have included a the optional use of a fixed aluminium mast in place of the gaff rig and the inclusion of a genoa for use by heavier crews. The genoa keeps adult crews competitive against lighter weight crews with the regular jib. The features of the Heron are: built in bouyancy, optional short spars for easy transportation, and pivoting centreboard and rudder which is ideal for off-the-beach launching. |
Sailing Herons in TasmaniaHerons have been sailed in Tasmania at Lindisfarne Sailing Club for nearly 50 years. Lindisfarne is located on the Eastern shore of Hobart, only 5 minutes drive from the city centre
Racing is conducted through summer on Sunday afternoons. Racing consists of a two pennant series (before and after Christmas), short course mini series and sleeted trophy races. Herons also compete in the Crown Series regatta run by Bellerive Yacht Club. If you wish to see or test sail a Heron, feel free to visit the club any Sunday from late September through to early April each year. http://www.lindisfarnesailingclub.com |