The Slipper Dinghy

The first Slipper Sailing Dinghy was designed and built by Fred Gibbs in 1932 using traditional clinker boatbuilding techniques of steamed timbers and oak frames to produce a sturdy and versatile pram dinghy that was a joy to sail. Several wooden Slippers were built thereafter by Fred and his business partner Frank Smith after founding boatbuilder company Smith & Gibbs in 1946.

Fred's son Roger joined the business after Frank Smith's departure in 1972. Following the phenomenal success of the Mirror dinghy, in the early 1980s Fred's experience in traditional boat design was combined with Roger's extensive knowledge of modern materials to produce the first Slipper Sailing Dinghy in glassfibre, maintaining the original pram design with its elegant clinker lines.

By the end of the 1990s, the Slipper Sailing Dinghy reached sail number 67. After a number of design improvements over the years the Slipper remained a firm favourite for its easy handling and excellent performance. Many are still in use not only by sailing clubs for sail training, also by Mum and Dad taking the kids out for an exciting taste of lake or sea sailing in complete safety.

More information on the Slipper story is to follow very soon...

"Slipper 29 on the water"

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