The classic 14 foot Bosun Sailing Dinghy was originally designed by Ian Proctor for Bossoms Boatyard in 1963 in response to a competitive request for tender from the Royal Navy for a new Admiralty Sailing Dinghy. The requirement was for a safe and durable sea-training boat, interesting to race from shore or from Her Majesty's warships.
The Bosun was chosen after extensive trials and the Navy have over 800 of the approximately 2500 built so far.