What we sail
Sunfish Fleet
New Luffing Lassies skipper a Sunfish while learning to sail in the annual Introduction to Sailing program. A 14-foot dinghy class, one-person sailboat, the Sunfish is recognized worldwide as a valuable teaching boat that adapts to all skill levels, strengths and ages. The Lassies own and maintain 15 pre-owned Sunfish that make up the training fleet. Because the Lassies’ Sunfish fleet is available only for first year instruction, Lassies are encouraged to purchase their own boats after their freshman year. Sailing the Lassies-owned Sunfish, they learn not only how to rig, sail and race but how to care for and maintain a seaworthy boat.
The Historic Pram and original boat of the Luffing Lassies
A small, dinghy class training boat, the stable Clearwater pram is sailed solo. Three Prams are maintained by the Lassies for use at the annual Lilly Kaighin Memorial Regatta. The Lassies began their sailing journey sailing in the Pram. It is a time-honored tradition to salute our Founder Lilly Kaighin in a Pram at her Memorial Regatta held in November.
420 Fleet
In order to provide a two-person sailing experience to members, the Luffing Lassies rent 420’s from the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program which also sails from the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. The 4.2-meter, two-person boat has a mainsail, jib and optional spinnaker thus making teamwork crucial to successful sailing. Experienced Lassies can team up and learn to sail a 420 to compete with the fleet. The annual Florida Women’s Sailing Association Crewed Boat Challenge is often raced in 420’s. And here’s proof that our sailing program works: Lassies have won this regatta several times and currently hold the First Place Trophy.
American Wave Fleet
Our American Wave Fleet is unique, offering two distinct boats: the American 18 daysailer and the Hobie Wave. These boats, with their individual features, are made available to the Lassies through the Sarasota Sailing Squadron's boat share program.
The American 18, a versatile sloop-triggered daysailer, is a 17.5' overall length crewed boat with a mainsail, jib, and centerboard. It is stored on a trailer and launched from a dock, making it a desirable boat for various sailing conditions, including when the water temperature is chilly. Lassies race this boat weekly and, when available, take other Lassies out for a sail interested in learning about the American 18 to expand the fleet. Several Lassies also race in the Squadron's American 18 fleet as part of the boatshare program.
The Hobie Wave, a sailing catamaran (two hulls) that is 13' overall length crewed boat with only a mainsail, is all about fun sailing. The crew sits on a trampoline connecting the two hulls, enjoying the leisurely ride. It is launched from the Squadron's beach for fun sailing—no racing. It is a good boat for those Lassies who don't want to race but still want to enjoy the thrill of sailing.
