Manly Junior celebrates 50 years
It’s been 50 years since the pint-sized, snub-nosed sailing dinghy known as the Manly Junior was first launched from Sydney’s Manly 14' Sailing Club.
The diminutive craft, affectionately known as the “MJ”, gave many a reader their first taste on the water, and over the years, thousands of Australian sailors (and an impressive number of Olympic athletes) continue to cut their teeth on one.
The MJ was designed and launched by Ralph Tobias from Manly 14' Sailing Club in September 1959. Fully Australian designed and built, the MJ remains consistently popular amongst 6 to 14 year olds today. Many seasoned sailors believe it to be the ideal training dinghy, thanks in no small part to the fact that it remains the only craft of its kind to incorporate a mainsail, jib and spinnaker.
To celebrate the MJ’s 50th anniversary, Manly 16' Skiff Sailing Club and Manly Yacht Club in conjunction with the Manly Junior Association will formally recognise the contributions that the iconic dinghy and Ralph Tobias have had on the sport of sailing.
The celebrations will be held this Saturday, November 14. The event coincides with the second round for the 2009/2010 Manly Junior State Championships.
A ferry will depart Manly wharf at 2pm sharp, to allow attendees or visitors to watch the second race, followed by dinner at 6.15pm.
Visit www.revolutionise.com.au/nswmjsa for tickets and for more information.
Photo courtesy of www.miboat.com.