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The UK Cherub Class
The UK Cherub is a two-person 12 foot racing dinghy with asymmetric spinnaker and twin trapezes. Just twelve feet long, weighing around 70kgs fully rigged for sailing, the UK Cherub combines spectacular performance with the “on the edge” handling characteristics only found in true lightweight skiffs.
The UK Cherub rules are simple and allow for maximum flexibility for designers, allowing boats to be created to incorporate sailor's own ideas. Also meaning the class develops over time as techniques, materials and ideas improve. All this makes the Cherub one of the most interesting and innovative of all dinghies: The challenge extends from the sailing skills to setting up the boat to suit the sailor, and maybe even designing and building, too.
Latest news
Spring News Report
New Zealand Rules Cherub Project
There are currently eight glass-skinned wooden boats under construction based on the popular Dan Leech design. They are single trapeze, with a wider hull than the UK 2005 rules boats. They have a total sail area that sits midway between our UK 1991 and 1997 rules designs, making them an ideal boat for adult-and-child combinations or those not wishing to twin-wire. A CNC-cut plywood kit and full instructions are available. Drop us a message at UK Cherub if you would like further information.
RYA Dinghy Show
We had lots of interest at the dinghy show, from elderly past class members reminiscing about the early days to new young sailors drooling over the shiny carbon “Marmite” display boat. We’ve received numerous emails from sailors wishing to have a trial sail at the upcoming Rutland Blast, others who can’t make Rutland but are being set up with trials elsewhere, and people requesting further information on the NZ Cherub kits. Thanks to all who helped make the show a success.
Rutland Blast / Trial Sail Weekend 28/29 March
A weekend of socialising, tuning, blasting, boat swapping, and sailing with people wishing to try out Cherub sailing. If you would like to join us, get in touch at UK Cherub.
2026 Racing Events
To better cater for the NZ and single-wire UK Cherubs, we plan to run two racecourses this season (numbers permitting). The aim is for twin- and single-wire boats to finish at similar times. There will also be separate results and prizes.
See the events page for dates.
This year’s National Championships will mark our 75th anniversary! Get the dates in the diary now and let’s make it a bumper year!