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The sailing dinghy is not a new concept, but it's back with a vengeance with the boat built by Faursail. With the Barket 2.8 Sail, the French shipyard offers a small polyester unit that's both safe and fun, designed for those who want to enjoy the wind on a playful tender.
Simple, robust construction
Built in polyester, the Barket 2.8 (2.80 x 1.50 m) is a real eye-catcher. Its self-draining floor and buoyancy make it unsinkable, so it will float even in heavy rain. The dinghy can carry two people under sail or four under motor (it can take a maximum of 8 hp). Weight is kept to a minimum, at around 50 kg, which makes launching easy, especially with the optional retractable wheels on the transom.
Easy to rig, pleasant to steer
In use, the Barket 2.8 is surprisingly stable. During our test run, it proved virtually impossible to capsize. The complete âeuros mast and âeuros sail rig is cleverly stowed away via the rear hatches. Assembly takes less than ten minutes, which is great news for sailors who want to sail without constraints. With the sail, it becomes a real toy at anchor, lively and easy to handle, even in light air. The only drawback is the absence of a practical rowing device, as oars are difficult to fit on this model given the width of the thwarts.
Prices and options
Barket 2.8 is available from 1,580 INCL. VAT standard version for motorboat navigation. The Sail with rudder and centreboard, is displayed at 2,950 ? INCL. VAT . Available options include launch wheels (?130), inspection hatches and handles (?150) and a complete sail kit (?1,500).
