Performance Marine Group has officially launched its latest creation, the Rascal, at the Southampton International Boat Show.
Built by PMG’s specialist sail division, Performance Sailcraft, the Rascal is a first-of-its-kind carbon fibre endurance sailing dinghy, born from record-breaking powerboat DNA and built to deliver new experiences in competitive sailing.
The Rascal’s debut is accompanied by the announcement of the Rascal Endurance Series – a brand-new global sailing category focused on endurance, speed, and strategic skill. This new format will debut in Europe in 2026, with plans already underway for Australia.
The Rascal offers a fresh, accessible, and high-performance entry point into endurance, long distance offshore-style sailing for both emerging and elite sailors.
“The Rascal is not just a new boat – it’s the beginning of a new era in competitive sailing,” said Nick Ogden, Chairman of Performance Marine Group. “We’ve taken everything we’ve learned from developing our world record winning Thunder Child II – one of the fastest and most resilient endurance powerboats ever built – and translated that knowledge into an elite sailing platform. And now, we’re pairing it with a new event series designed to push sailors to their limit in the most exhilarating way possible.”
Two models, one shared mission
The Rascal is available in two distinct versions to suit different styles of adventure and competition:
- Rascal Endurance – Built for elite performance and long-distance racing in the new Rascal Endurance Class. Lightweight, responsive, and engineered for maximum control in demanding conditions.
- Rascal Adventurer – Designed for the modern explorer. Load it with your tent, sleeping bag, and provisions, and set out on your own unsupported sailing adventure.
Both models feature precision-engineered hulls, advanced composite construction, and the same bold design DNA. They are now available for pre-order from www.europe.performancesailcraft.com, with first deliveries expected late in Q4 2025.
Rascal specifications
- Length: 4.23m
- Beam: 1.37m
- Hull Weight: 40kg
- Material: Full carbon with fibre-reinforced plastic zones, core cell construction, with vinylester resin
- Top Speed: Estimated to exceed 20 knots in favourable conditions
- Rig and sail: Mylar reefing sail with carbon mast and boom. Boom has support kicker for ease when reefing.
Built for both inland and offshore conditions, the Rascal is purpose-designed for endurance, featuring exceptional stability, responsive handling, and high speed.
Introducing the Rascal Endurance Series
Inspired by offshore racing, the Rascal Endurance series will challenge sailors to compete in long-distance solo or team events in dynamic and often unpredictable conditions. This new format will blend tactical navigation, physical resilience, and high-speed excitement into a spectator-friendly race concept designed for modern sailing audiences.
The class has already received interest from elite sailing programs and development academies in Europe and Oceania, with a full regatta schedule and qualification pathway to be revealed in early 2026.
“We believe the Rascal Endurance Series will become a proving ground for the next generation of ocean racers,” said Ogden. “It’s an accessible way to get into endurance sailing without the financial or logistical barriers of big boat racing – but still packed with adrenaline, complexity, and competition.”
