The P-Class is a type of small single sail dinghy, popular as a training boat for young people in New Zealand.
[citation needed] The P-Class was designed by New Zealand civil engineer Harry Highet as a simple vessel in which children and young people could learn to sail.
It has a small deep cockpit with the rest of the hull making water tight buoyancy compartments.
Originally built of solid wood, plywood was introduced in 1956 and fibreglass hulls were allowed in 1975.
Because of its short length it is difficult to sail down wind in waves, giving the boat a tendency to nose-dive.