A micro-sailboat is a small wind powered vessel made from environmentally sustainable materials, or from those which cause minimal damage to the environment. In use she is virtually non-polluting and her equipment is basic, but sufficient for safe cruising in the locality for which she was designed.

To conform to the aims and ideals set out on this Web site, a micro-sailboat should weigh no more than 350 lbs/160 Kgs, (being the complete weight of the integral hull, keel/centreboard/leeboard<s>, spars, sails, rudder and tiller). If your boat weighs up to 550 lbs, she could still be classified as a micro-sailboat. The prime reason for a weight restriction is ease of launching and recovery from the water by one person, but a maximum weight limit also controls the amount of materials used in her construction. Less materials means less damage to the environment.

Weight should not be confused with displacement. A boat's displacement is greater than her weight, because it includes the weight of her crew and necessary gear, such as camping equipment, oars, etc..

Her primary power source for getting from one place to another must be the wind harnessed by any of the following: sail(s), aerofoil(s), kite(s), wind driven propeller(s) or other such means.

Her secondary power source should be physical effort on the part of the crew, who may use any of the following: oars, yulohs, paddles, propellers, paddle wheels, water jets or other similar devices.

Auxiliary electric engines are acceptable, but more so, if their batteries are charged by solar or wind generated electricity.

Ideally, boats should be made from materials which least damage the environment. The use of recyclable or sustainable natural materials is preferable.

As far as possible a micro-sailboat should have integral buoyancy . In the event of a total capsize, it should be sufficient to keep her and her crew afloat.

Ideally, boats should be self-righting , with aids such as rudder steps and hand grips to enable the crew to regain access.