| H Class symbol | |
 Holdfast Trainer atBrighton, South Australia | |
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Location | Holdfast Bay,South Australia |
| Year | 1948 |
| Role | Sail trainer |
| Name | Holdfast Trainer |
| Boat | |
| Crew | 2 people under the age of 16 |
| Trapeze | No |
| Hull | |
| LOH | 8 feet (2.4 m) |
| Hull appendages | |
| Keel/board type | Daggerboard |
| Sails | |
| Spinnaker area | Whisker Pole to reverse jib down wind |
TheHoldfast Trainer is aSouth Australiansailingdinghy designed in 1948 for junior sailors under the required age of 16.[1] Based on theSabot, the class features ahard-chine wooden or fiberglass hull with a flat (or "pram") bow and adaggerboard. Unlike the Sabot, the Holdfast Trainer has both amain and ajib in order to facilitate a two-person crew and to teach jib handling. To make space for the jib, the mast was stepped further back and abowsprit was added. Modern versions include waterproof bulkheads to provide additional flotation.[2]
The boat has been sailed for many years by 8 to 15 year olds at South Australian sailing clubs, with the first state championships being held in 1958 and still continuing on today.[1] One of those clubs, thePort Lincoln Yacht Club, has continuously sailed the dinghy for over 50 years, and held their 50th Anniversary celebrations for the class in 2010 at the recent states and metropolitan championships.[3]
South Australian PremierSteven Marshall learned to sail in a Holdfast Trainer.[4]
Related development