The Sonar was designed with the mission in mind: to serve the need for a club one-design keelboat and the Sonar’s cockpit arrangement and crew positioning have been preferred by some for the team racing among clubs that has gained momentum in the last twenty years. The class enjoys ISAF recognized International status and healthy followings of fleet activity across the United States.

Designed in 1979 by Bruce Kirby who also designed the Laser, the Sonar has become the fleet of choice for many yacht clubs in the Northeast. Because of the boat’s stability and reputation for being indestructible, owners tend to join the fleet for life, and the boat has become the standard among many of the world’s disabled sailors for satisfying their desire to compete at the highest level on the water. Sailors who appreciate a boat with a demanding and tactical fleet but a low-maintenance approach often become Sonar fleet members for life.

Sonar Class Association

Sonar Key Dimensions