Laïta is inspired by the Scandinavian "prams" which were well-known all around the world at the beginning of the 20th century as tenders of ships, and later as small pleasure craft due to their excellent nautical properties. Having very similar behaviour and performance to a modern sailing dinghy, Laïta offers the ability to lower her mast and row when the wind dies. The "pram" shape provides good sea-keeping ability. The sail may be reefed down if the wind gets strong. This makes Laïta an ideal boat for youths and children. On a choppy sea, it has a distinct, wet motion, but it keeps going. The normal crew is one or two adults but it can be three children as well. Being light, about 75 kg, Laïta can be moved by two people and carried on top of a car.
Laita is very easy to build. She is clinker built, with 6 mm plywood for the hull. This is a great way for the home builder to practice before beginning a more sophisticated project. That is why, Les Glénans, the famous French sailing school, and the team "Frère de Mer" have adopted Laïta as an educational project for the young people of French cities. About fifty Laïta have been built in this context.
The building plans include a comprehensive guide and may be used alone. But using full scale polyester patterns or an NC cut kit allows an easier and more reliable construction over a very effective building jig which prevents any mistakes. (see the presentation sheet)
Click HERE for a two page PDF document with a few Béniguet drawings (in French)
Click the thumbnail below for Béniguet photo album:
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