The Pirate was designed in 1934 by the German boat builder Carl Martens.

The boat was originally manufactured in solid wood, although since the 1960s glass-reinforced plastic, or a sandwich of the two, is also used.

According to the regulations for this class of boat, kevlar and carbon fiber are forbidden.

With more than 380 participants in the official rank list, it is one of the most active race classes in Germany.

The Pirate Class has also been used by the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets as a youth trainer.