We don't see these transportable boats sailing in New Zealand.

You won't see one here either, it's a relic now, almost everyone sails on bigger and bigger GRP boats. Folding sailboats were probably a niche product everywhere. But if you look around, you'll definitely find a folding sailboat, oh I've already found one - e.g. Tiwal

Thanks for the wishes, I wish you good luck and good health too!

Hi Graeme, thanks for the info!

Luckily I already have a well-functioning junk sail for my folding boat.

After the sailing season ends (i.e. - not before October) I will try to focus on solving the last two conditions you quoted - durability and short preparation time.

I have never been a DIY enthusiast, but now as a retiree I have found that DIY is a very inspiring activity. I have learned a lot of interesting techniques and I am trying to learn some more.

As for my boat - you have to remember that it is not a pontoon. It is a skeleton construction. I suggest watching the film (from five years ago, i.e. before the invasion), in which testers (from Russia or Ukraine, I am not sure) - test the original version (i.e. rowing). You can choose automatic translation of the subtitles into any language.

Pay attention to minute 9:52, when the young woman lifts this boat up. Of course, my sailing version is heavier, but the hull is much stiffer than the pontoon and very light. Unfortunately, it also has its weaknesses - it is quite delicate and preparation for sailing takes a long time.

Interesting facts - Another foldable sailboat (Mewa 2, Mewa 3) was produced in Poland (before Perestroika) and was popular in the former USSR. But that's history.

Hi Graeme!

It's really nice to see you back on this thread. I see I have an ally in you when it comes to foldable sailing dinghies. It's really great to be able to talk to someone about an interesting topic, even if he is on the other side of the globe.

The topic is certainly not new, I completely agree with you. I suspect that even Alain Bombard had a sail on his pontoon. I have collected a large collection of interesting links regarding foldable sailboats, but I have not yet come across a foldable junk.

As you can see - the problem exists, many people are trying to solve it and although there have been some interesting designs - there are still enthusiasts who are trying to create something even better (Tiwal, Seahopper, Porta-bote etc.)

None of these solutions satisfy me. It is possible that the foldable junk whose leaflet you sent me would be interesting, although there are not many details visible. I could not find the company's www address. By the way: I also think that this pontoon, converted to SJR would probably be better balanced.

Converting pontoons to sailboats is not always a good idea, I've read a lot about it. The hull of the folding boat must be stiff and have a convex bottom. It should also be durable and preparation for sailing should be quick.

I'm glad that you are still interested in the subject ! Best regards - Jan.

My boat "Tycia" has become a local attraction on the local lake. Thanks to her, I met a lot of nice people from the local club.

Edit:

Of course - everyone is informed about the existence of the JRA and about the leading figures in the community.

A few more photos. There are small wrinkles on the panels because the halyard is too loose.