The Sailing conversion kit consists of a mast, mast yoke and leeboard assembly, the sail rig, mainsheet and rudder tiller. The kit installs easily in only minutes converting the boat from a thoroughbred slide seat rowing boat to a sailboat with all the necessary features. It’s as simple as it gets. The mast support yoke and leeboards bolt into the forward position traditional oarlock sockets.  The mast is free standing with no need for stays and a single halyard hoists the sail. 

The rudder and tiller assembly, artistically sculpted in solid Starboard® polymer, attaches to the stern.  It bolts onto the transom through the two stern eyes. The kick-up rudder and tiller is a Starboard® version of the classic Whitehall Spirit® teak model and, like the original, can be pinned down, spring loaded or pinned up when ashore or in transport.

The hull shape of a Whitehall Spirit® with its sharp entry at the bow, low aspect ratio keel extending through to the transom makes the boat track quite well and resist making leeway. This is further enhanced with the addition of twin leeboards, which add to the pointing ability. The leeboards increase the ability of the boat to tack or jibe more quickly and they also kick up for running with the wind or if the water gets too shallow. 

The lateen sail suits either a Solo 14 or a Tango 17 very well. Mast, sail and oars all fit nicely into the cockpit alongside the slide seats on the Tango 17. On the Solo 14 the mast and sail also fit inside the boat resting on the bow seat. The Lateen sail rig is very efficient and perhaps the simplest sail rig to handle while actually out on the water.

The Solo feels great under sail. The stability and control during gusts is good.  The beauty is you can even row the boat while sailing using the shorter oars facing forward or on the fixed seat. This makes getting out of tight spots simple and easy. Dropping the sail and also the mast is simply a matter of letting go the halyard and lifting the mast from its socket and yoke support.   

We have put serious design time into making the sail conversion kit for the Solo 14 and the Tango 17 simple, efficient and build it with our usual impeccable quality. Call or email to order one for your existing Whitehall Spirit® thermoform model or you can simply add it to your new Solo 14 order to enjoy sailing, as well as rowing, these amazing boats. 

Our special introductory price for the complete kit is $2900.00 plus shipping and applicable taxes.

Click here to check out the Sailing Conversion Kit for the Whitehall Spirit® Tango 17