The DSA 152 keelboat

The DSA 152 has been designed by a disabled sailor specifically with the needs of disabled people in mind but also being attractive to able-bodied people to encourage integrated sailing. 

Most important the 152 will be affordable, ‘you’ will be able to sail one if you wish! 

Many sailors will notice that we have used the Martin 16 as the basis for developing our new dinghies. The main reason is that the original Don Martin design is very good indeed. 

The 152 prototypes are Martin 16's redesigned for ease of production, maintenance and simplicity for use and training. The production 152 will be slightly narrower and shorter than the Martin to enable more to fit in a container to lower transport costs and be acceptable to sailing clubs who have a maximum 15 feet rule. 

WILL NOT SINK OR CAPSIZE 

Like the Martin in the picture the 152 cannot sink, even if its tub and hull interior is completely flooded because of built in buoyancy. It will not capsize because of its (retractable) weighted wing keel. The keel is different from the Martin 16 in that it is in three parts and the bulb is shaped to provide lift. All this means you only get wet if you want to! One of the problems with the original Martins is removing and refitting the keel as a crane is required. 

The new design of keel means that the keel top, fin and bulb are all bolted together and can be taken off the hull without problem leaving a number of items that can be dealt with individually. The keel has a manual lifting device which is carried onboard and slots into the keel box to lift and there is an electric winch powered option. 

COLOUR CODED CONTROLS 

The controls, sheets and lines are all in the open for ease of adjustment and are colour coded for ease of use and training. Green for spinnaker, red for jib, blue for main, black and yellow for Cunningham and kicker. 

Halyards (ropes that pull the sails up) and furler lines (ropes that roll the sails up) are thinner to differentiate from sheets ( ropes that control the angle of the sails). 

So an instruction might be ‘tighten the jib sheet, that’s pull the thick red one on the left’. 

THE SAILS 

The spinnaker, screecher, genoa what ever you would like to call it, is a bit of a compromise, but it is very easy to use and much more versatile than a proper spinnaker. More importantly it is very unlikely to fall in the water or get under the boat. The spinnaker has to be cut quite flat to be able furl well and this actually allows you to point very high and use the sail as a very large jib or genoa. Its not as efficient as a proper spinnaker down wind but its versatility more than makes up for this. In light airs because the sail is self supporting it is very useful indeed. 

There are a number of mounting points along the gunnal that allows the spinaker sheet mounting point to be changed.... during sailing.... as long as it is done with care, a free flapping spinnaker sheet is very painful! 

The mainsail and jib are very similar to the Martin 16. There is no reefing on the mainsail you just let the boom out as required. The shape of the main is quite important on the 101, but the outhaul, cunningham and kicker are all conveniently placed for use. In very heavy conditions, the 152 goes very well on just the main in 25 to 30 knots of breeze just furl the jib, remember the 101 will not capsize so when everybody is putting their normal dinghy away because of gusts or high wind the 152 just becomes more fun!!!!! 

COMFORTABLE SEATS 

Yes you are allowed to be dry warm and comfortable while sailing, but you need the right boat to do it in. With the 152 you can choose, comfort, dry, relaxed, laid back.. or wet, wild, hang on for dear life… or anything in between… you decide. 

You can remove one or both the seats in a 152, sit on the side and hang out, its actually quite fun. But if you cannot or do not want to sail like this you can fit almost any sort of seat you like into the tub on a 152. No need for straps or harnesses simply use the right seat and set the angle to hold you in and keep you comfortable. 

ADAPTABLE CONTROLS

You can have any sort of controls on a 152 from ‘rudder and ropes to full 2.4ghz radio control including the spinnaker. The simple ‘push to go that way’ rod controls offer the best feed back from the rudder but it is easy to add tank, joystick or servo assist to the rudder. The rudder also has three positions on its stock so that you can adjust the amount of pressure required to turn to the point where the rudder is actually balanced at all points of a turn. 

SINGLE SEAT OPTION 

Although designed as a two seater the 152 makes a very safe interesting boat to sail in any conditions. Leave out the back seat and sail from the front. 

FREE BOATS!!! – 

Over the next few years the DSA plan to make a number of these dinghies available on free loan to disabled people who agree to use them on a regular basis and take part in DSA and club regattas or to sell at cost to those who like to own their boats. If you or your club would like one (or two) email us saying where you are from and where you will sail. 

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 

If you are a Country that enters or wishes to enter the Paralympics, under certain conditions we can offer you six 152 to train your squads.

For more information on the DSA, Projects, Achievements, Staff and opportunities visit our website @ www.disabledsailing.org or contact Zax Wakeman.

The Thomas Morley Trust (DSA)

Registered charity no 1028993