Home OF THE NATIONAL RAINBOW CLASS

Real Sailors Build Their Own Boats!

Here it is - just the boat you’ve been looking for!

Introducing the Rainbow – the perfect boat-building project for anyone who's ever dreamed of setting sail in something they built themselves.

This 12-foot, two-person sailing dinghy is designed with simplicity and learning in mind. Whether you're working at home, in a school workshop, or at your local sailing club, the Rainbow offers a rewarding and achievable way to dive into both boat building and sailing.

A Boat That Teaches You Twice

The Rainbow is built using traditional plywood methods, and with the availability of CNC-cut kits, even first-timers can enjoy a near fool proof experience. It's not just about building a boat—it’s about learning craftsmanship, teamwork, and self-reliance. And once it's complete, the next adventure begins: learning to sail!

 A Fun and Educational Project

Perfect for parents, grandparents, and kids looking for a meaningful project at home—or for schools, youth groups, and sailing clubs that want to inspire through hands-on learning. Building a boat like the Rainbow helps students develop real-world skills, especially when followed by learn-to-sail programs using the very boats they’ve built.

Affordable Sailing Starts Here

You can expect to build your own Rainbow for just 35–50% of the cost of a comparable off-the-shelf boat—using top-quality materials. The result? A boat that’s both more affordable and often better crafted than commercial alternatives.

Sourcing Materials Made Simple

Most of the woodwork materials—like plywood, glue, and fasteners—are common building supplies available locally. In Australia, you can also order complete kits directly from Rakau Designs. Sails, spars, ropes, and hardware are available in pre-packed kits and can be shipped by post or courier to most countries. Spars can also be made from timber if you prefer a DIY approach.

Builder Support – Every Step of the Way

Need a hand? Builders receive support via email, phone, or even in person if required. Whether it’s your first boat or your fifth, help is just a call or click away.

Further details regarding building supplies are included with the Build Instructions.