Ian Proctor's last design

The Spectrum will be launched on Porter Brothers stand at London Boat Show

Spectrum Duet with asymmetric option

Among the new dinghies due to hit the stands this year at the London Boat Show, Porter Brothers of Emsworth are introducing the Spectrum, what is thought to be the last design by the late Ian Proctor.

The drawings for the new design were discovered last year by members of the Proctor family. They showed a modified Scow-type hull, with a two position centreboard location to balance the boat when sailed in singlehanded or two-handed mode. But there were several other potential uses for the hull.

Since the original design was conceived materials have evolved so Porter Brothers, in conjunction with Ian Proctor Design Ltd, developed an aluminium mast with fibreglass topmast for good gust response and a range of modern Mylar sails to improve the performance under sail. They also developed a manufacturing technique for moulding the hull using a new resin injection system.

The result is the Spectrum - 4.40m long by 1.37m wide, weighing in at 60kg and available in three versions.

The Una is the una-rigged singlehanded version with a 7.7sq metre Mylar mainsail. The Duet adds a jib of 2.51sq metres and finally a version with a bowsprit and asymmetric spinnaker is available for full-on performance. Alternatively by fitting a moulded GRP thwart and rowing equipment the hull can be used for exercise or just for getting you home.

Prices start at £3,140.00 for the Una version with the Duet at an extra £135.00 and the asymmetric package £470.00 more.

Porter Brothers are at stand 85D and will also be showing the Optimist and the Wayfarer dinghy in both Mark II and World versions.

The London Boat Show 2002 runs from the 3 to 13 January at Earls Court, London.

Opening Hours:- 1000hrs to 1900hrs (late close 2130 on Thursday 10 January)

Spectrum in the single sail Una version