FAQs
Where’s the spinnaker?
1
The Graduate was designed as a two‑person racing dinghy without a spinnaker.
Its performance comes from a well‑balanced mainsail and jib, making it responsive upwind and lively downwind without the extra complexity of a third sail. This keeps the boat accessible for new sailors, easier to handle for mixed‑experience crews, and highly tactical in racing.
Many sailors appreciate the Grad specifically because it rewards good teamwork and boat handling rather than spinnaker technique.
How do I get started?
2
There are three easy ways to get involved:
Try sailing a Grad at your local club. Many clubs have active fleets or friendly owners who are happy to offer a test sail.
Join the Graduate Class Association. Membership gives you access to tuning guides, technical support, event information, and a welcoming community.
Buy a boat - new or second‑hand. Grads are available in both modern GRP and classic wooden builds, and the second‑hand market is active and affordable. The association can help point you toward good boats and reputable builders.
Most newcomers start by crewing for an experienced helm, which is a great way to learn the boat quickly.
Where can I sail a Grad?
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Grads are sailed at clubs across the UK, with particularly active fleets in the Midlands, the South Coast, and the North West. The class also runs a traveller series, open meetings, and an annual National Championship, so even if your home club doesn’t have a fleet, you can still race regularly. A fleet map or list of active clubs can be found HERE to help you find your nearest Grad.
How do I join the Graduate Class Association?
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Membership is open to anyone - owners, crews, or supporters.
Joining helps fund class development, technical resources, and events.
Click here to join the class association
You can pay for 1 year’s membership only, or use the subscription option to make your membership automatically renew.
Second‑hand boats can be very affordable, making the class accessible to families and newcomers.
Prices vary depending on age and condition, and we often have a range of boats listed for sale in our ‘Classifieds’ section of the website.
New build FRP and Composite Grads are available from Butler Boats for sailors looking for a long‑term investment.
How much does a Graduate cost?
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New FRP and Composite Grads are being built by Dave Butler of Butler Boats, while wooden Grads are built to the Alpha hull spec by Tim Harper of Tim Harper Boats & Sails.
Find out more on our New Grads page.