(Editors Note: Philippe Noirjean, who lives in Fribourg, Switzerland got CE approval for his Mirror 62139 which he purchased in 2025. This boat was built from a kit in Holland in 1980. Below is some infomation from Philippe and his experience.)
The Swiss navigation administration is that it is not a single unit, but that there are as many as there are cantons (something similar to counties), which is more than 20. Of course they all apply federal (country) laws, but they can be more restrictive if they want. I found this information on you website. This means that there was at least one Mirror which was able to register in Switzerland (in the canton of Zurich). Once a boat is registered in one canton (after import), it can be moved without problem from one to another (if my information in correct).
As I could tell the navigation administration that there had already been a Mirror imported in Zurich. They got in touch with their colleagues from Zurich and could confirm that. They told me that they finally don't need a EU certificate because 1) the boat was handbuilt, 2) before the creation of the EU certificate and 3) that there had already been a Mirror approved in Switzerland.
If in the future there would be another Swiss wanting to import a Mirror, I would be very happy to answer any questions. (editors note: please contact the UK Class Assocation and we will put you in touch with Philippe).
The Mirror is a small, light (i.e. hull less than 10lbs/foot), easy to sail, easy to transport, pram dinghy (pram means it has transoms at both bow and stern). It is the classic dinghy for training, cruising and racing. A stable family boat suitable for all ages and abilities, ideal for just "messing about", it is also raced widely and actively both in the UK and abroad. It's ease of handling makes it a very good single-hander sailed with main and jib. It can also be sailed with the mast in the forward position (if fitted) and no jib (i.e. cat rig). It also has a conventional (i.e. symmetric) spinnaker so all the skills needed on a three sail boat can be used. For racing the crew is two, but when pottering three can be carried. The boat can be rowed or fitted with a small outboard motor - it can then accommodate four or five people. Ideal for training young people, it used to be (sadly no longer) an RYA-recognised Junior Class. Many of the UK's top sailors started in a Mirror! A strict one-design, the Mirror became an International Class, administered by World Sailing (ex ISAF, ex IYRU), in 1990.
These are the specifications for the Mirror.
| 1387 (double handed, with spinnaker) & 1377 (single handed, no spinnaker) from the 2023 list. The 2009 list also had 1365 (single-handed, with spinnaker). At that time the double handed, with spinnaker PY was 1386, and single handed, no spinnaker was 1371. | |
| LOA | = 10 ft 10 ins (3.30 metres) |
| Beam | = 4 ft 7 ins (1.39 metres) |
| Draft (Board raised) | = 4 ins (0.09 metres) |
| Draft (Board down) | = 28 ins (0.70 metres) |
| Rig | = Bermudan or Gunter sloop with optional spinnaker, or cat rig (just the mainsail) |
| Bermuda mast height (above deck) | = 16 ft (4.9 metres) |
| Gunter mast Length | = 10 ft 8 ins (3.3 metres) |
| Gaff Length | = 9 ft 3 ins (2.8 metres) |
| Boom Length | = 7 ft 6 ins (2.3 metres) |
| Sail Area - Main | = 49 sq ft (4.6 square metres) |
| - Jib | = 20 sq ft (1.9 square metres) |
| - Spinnaker | = 47 sq ft (4.4 square metres) |
| Hull construction | GRP foam sandwich, GRP, GRP/wood composite or plywood |
| Weight - complete | = 135 lbs (61.29 kgs) |
| - Hull only | = 98lbs (45.5 kgs) |
| Volume of Hull below Sheerline | = 1.15 cubic metres |
| Volume of Buoyancy Tanks | = 0.53 cubic metres |
| (46% of Hull) | |
| CE Conformity | Boats with sail number below 69915 do not require a CE mark, for more details and situation with newer boats read this article. |
The Mirror is the World's most popular double handed sailing dinghy, With its low price, light and seaworthy design that is easy to sail, the Mirror quickly achieved its objectives, becoming the World's most popular double handed sailing dinghy. Probably responsible for introducing more people to the delights of sailing than any other design, some have even gone onto win Olympic medals, the latest being Paul Goodison taking Gold in China. The Mirror is a real proper little boat, with its deep 'sit-in' cockpit, that inspires confidence for sailors of all ages and abilities, easy to sail but a challenge to sail well. In 2008 the Mirror is just as relevant and popular as ever, with regular updates to keep the class modern and fresh.
