The design is built by W. D. Schock Corp in the United States. When it was introduced it became a quick commercial success, with 1,000 boats completed in the first three years and almost 3,000 by 1970. The success of the design was instrumental in the company expanding to become a major builder of sailboats. A total of 6,100 boats have been completed and it remains in production.[1][2][3][4]
Design
The Lido 14 is a recreational sailboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a fractionalsloop rig, with gold-colored anodizedaluminum spars and a loose-footed mainsail. The hull features a spooned plumb stem, a near-vertical transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a retractable centerboard that is raised with stainless steel straps. Both the rudder and centerboard are made from foam-cored fiberglass. It displaces 310 lb (141 kg) and has positive flotation under the seats and in the bow compartment.[1][2]
In 1995 the boat was redesigned with a new two-piece mold to simplify construction, plus many other changes.[1]
The boat has a draft of 4.25 ft (1.30 m) with the centerboard extended and 5 in (13 cm) with it retracted, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.[1]
The design is used as a one-designracer and has a Portsmouth Yardstick racing average handicap of 99.6. It has a large cockpit that can accommodate six adults, but it is raced with a crew of two sailors.[2]
Operational history
In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood described the boat as a "child's boat, racer and sailer. The Lido 14 evolved from the earlier Lehman 14 via a rather complete redesign including sheer, seats, foredeck, and sail plan. The cockpit length allows for six adults on full-length seats. The seats, with a bow compartment, provide flotation. Only limited modifications are allowed for racing, as the intention is to keep Lido a simple, limited boat."[2]
