The sloop rigging is non-masthead and has no trapezes, the cross trees are splayed to allow the stayman some delay without causing any traumatic consequences for the mast.

Easy to handle and as responsive as a light displacement craft, the Dolphin 81 One Design does not easily yaw and remains neutral even when heeled-over, whether close-hauled or running free when spinnaker powered.

The sail plan includes two spinnakers, one at 7/8 of 42 square metres and one masthead of 70 square metres. When sailing downwind with the masthead spinnaker, 10 knots of wind are sufficient to carry the boat at 8 knots, while with the sails close-hauled and the same wind speed, the Dolphin 81 One Design can easily reach 6 knots.