It was designed by Bruce Kirby and almost 700 boats have been built since 1980. The Sonar has recently achieved status as an International Class.

• Race competitively with three or four crew.
• The Sonar surfs and planes readily downwind.
• Well-balanced, inboard rudder.
• Faster than a J/24 in windy conditions.
• Strict one-design rules.

• Clean and uncluttered cockpit.
• Small jib can be handled by nearly any size crew member.
• Single jib, main, and spinnaker.
• 7'10" beam for easy trailering.

• 11'6" cockpit seats 8 comfortably.
• Full-length molded bench seats with angled backs.
• Self-bailing cockpit.
• Lockable cuddy under the foredeck holds gear, or an outboard motor, even a small Porta Potti.
• 900 lb. keel keeps the boat stable and dry.