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Ultimate 20

Here's a 20-footer that goes 20 knots. not only that, it's fairly easy to sail, too..

In the late 80’s, the landscape was littered with the remains of boatbuilding companies that couldn’t cut to fit. The conventional wisdom was that starting a new company was guaranteed to convert a large fortune to a small one. In this period, Jeff Canepa conceived the idea of entering the fracas with a pint-sized company based in Santa Cruz, California, that would introduce yet another performance 21-footer.

Canepa is the antithesis of the traditional boatbuilder, staid types who worked their way up the professional ladder by lofting lines, stoking steam boxes and laying planks. Rather, he is an experienced multihull sailor and marketing expert who envisioned catamaran performance in a monohull, identified an existing design that might do it, then assembled a team of experienced designers and builders to develop the final product. The result is the Ultimate 20, a boat finding great acceptance among a group of mid-level sailors seeking new levels of performance, and experienced sailors looking for big kicks on smaller boats. It also appeals to the budget-conscious shopper.

A college dropout with a penchant for water sports, Canepa began sailing in 1968 when he abandoned the classroom during sunny Monterey Bay afternoons and practiced sailing a Hobie Cat. By 1972, he’d captured the Hobie National Championships, followed in 1973 with the first of two World Championships. He then headed for Europe to conduct Hobie clinics until the late 70’s, then expanded his knowledge of the small-boat industry while working to introduce O’Neil Wetsuits to the international sailing community. He furthered his knowledge of the watersports market while setting up an American distribution system for a German sailboard manufacturer.

The first seeds of the U20 project were planted in 1986 when he crossed paths with Doug Hemphill, designer of the Hotfoot 20 and Hotfoot 27, reliable performance sloops built and sailed primarily in Canada. At the time, Hemphill was experimenting with the addition to the 20-footer of a bowsprit, asymmetrical spinnaker, and hiking racks. In 1988, with the sailboat market headed for what the Federal Reserve Board calls a hard landing, he purchased the molds for the Hotfoot 20 at a sheriff’s auction and placed them in a storage container.

“We were way ahead of our time,” he said, “hoping for a recovery. There had been too much money in the marketplace during the 80’s, but we felt that after a few years of cooling it would rebound, and that a niche in the small boat market would be strong.”

By early 1993, he was beginning to look like a soothsayer. J-Boats had successfully introduced a line of “sprit boats,” the Melges 24 was a big spot on the horizon, and trailerable boats were again making their presence felt. With that as a backdrop, Canepa formed Ultimate Sailboats International and began assembling his design and construction team.

For openers, he recruited Ron Moore, the well known Santa Cruz boatbuilder who carved a reputation building the Moore 24 and other ultra-light, ultra-fast boats, giving him responsibility for construction of a prototype, using the Hotfoot molds. Business associate John McWaid was enlisted to hitch the prototype to his car and head into the American hinterland.

Upon McWaid’s return, armed with input from sailors and sailmakers at all levels of the sport, a year long tweaking process began when naval architect Jim Antrim was commissioned to begin a massive overhaul of the design. Antrim’s recent successes include work as a member of the structural design team for Bill Koch’s America’s Cup winner, and the design of Aotea, a trimaran that recently set a record in the San Francisco-Hawaii single-handed race.

The designer’s first suggestion was to remove the transom and stretch the boat 9″ to 20′ 10″, without making radical changes to the basic hull shape—a fairly flat bottom that tapers out and up to a curved hull-deck flange. Freeboard was increased 2″ and the beam was increased to 8′ 6″, changes that improved the appearance while increasing leg room in the cockpit and sitting room belowdecks.

His next step was to increase the horsepower of the fractional rig by raising the mast height to 30′ above deck level, and eliminating the need for a permanent backstay by adding spreaders swept back 25 degrees. The changes increased the size of the full-roach, loose-footed mainsail to 205 square feet. A working jib carrying 100 square feet of sail is mounted on a Harken roller furler recessed below the deck.

Antrim redesigned the chord of the keel and added a flared bulb that resembles the whale’s tail design seen on many Cup boats. The keel was also moved aft 8″, resulting in an increase in forward buoyancy and improvements in trim and balance, making crew positioning less critical when attempting to maximize performance.

Because of built-in safety features, Antrim is especially pleased with the bowsprit arrangement. Like most, it is launched by pulling lines led aft from the pole tip to the cockpit, which is where similarities end. Most are housed belowdecks and launched through sealed through-hull fittings. By comparison, the U20’s is housed on deck in a molded slot and held in place by a fiberglass cover that is secured to the deck by six screws. So, while operation of the pole is similar to other boats, Antrim feels his design has two safety advantages: In the event of a collision, the sprit or housing will break under 1,700 pounds of pressure, before the hull is fractured; and, in the event the pole breaks the boat won’t be swamped. A deck-mounted pole also increases the amount of interior space, a consideration on any 21-footer. We tend to agree with his assessment, but this arrangement does detract from the overall appearance of the boat. As an alternative, sailors who wish to fly symmetrical chutes can tack the pole to the mast.

The modified design also incorporates the addition of curves and radiuses to the coachroof and cockpit, subtle changes that softened the edges to improve both appearance and ergonomics. The designer then reorganized the deck layout, and the result is a model of efficiency, enhanced by roller furling and the sprit/asymmetrical chute arrangement. Halyards are internal, led to cleats on the coachroof, so the only lines in the cockpit are main, jib and spinnaker sheets, a single roller furler control, and a line connected to the bowsprit.

Increasing the beam and length increased the cockpit width to 4′ and length to 7′ 8″, providing plenty of room for a typical crew of three, or four when sailing in heavy winds. Sailed with a crew of three, the driver steers from the aftermost position and controls the mainsheet, which attaches to Harken track and a swivel block recessed in the cabin sole. This leaves the trimmers with enough room to perform their tasks forward in the cockpit.

The rudder is a lightweight blade constructed of carbon fiber with fiberglass and wood reinforcement at the head, transom-mounted on pintles and gudgeons that appear to be adequate for the loads developed. By the time Antrim completed the remodeling, the rudder was about all that was left of the prototype.

Construction

Since he has 26 years of experience constructing performance boats designed to sail in rugged conditions, the selection of Moore as the builder was a propitious choice. Though found sailing primarily on the West Coast, his Moore 24 is a seasoned MORA winner, a sturdy boat that holds up well under the punishing conditions found in Pacific waters outside the Golden Gate and along the California coast.

The hull lay-up for the U20 is fairly straightforward, consisting of a 3/8″ core of Baltek balsa, to which 12-ounce layers of bi-directional woven roving knitted in 90-degree angles are applied on interior and exterior surfaces. The final exterior layer is .75 ounce mat. Hydrex vinylester resins are used on exterior skins, and Polyester C2849 on other layers. The deck also is constructed with a Baltek core, over which a 10-ounce layer of cloth is laid, followed by a .75-ounce mat. To enhance the structural integrity of the hull and deck at stress points, two 12″-wide panels of carbon fiber are laid under the keel area and across the width of the deck at the mast step and chainplates. The exterior surface of the hull is a smooth gelcoat surface, the interior a polyester enamel.

Composition of the cockpit sole is identical to the deck, except the core is 3/4″ Baltek.

The hull and deck are bonded with a syntactic slurry of polyester putty, mill fibers and microballoons. Since the deck joint overlaps an eggshell-shaped hull flange that is approximately 2″ wide, both the designer and builder are confident of the structural integrity of the bond, and feel that fasteners would be redundant. Unfortunately, because the joint is exposed, it detracts modestly from the appearance of the vessel and would seem to be vulnerable to collisions.

The bulb keel is raised and lowered by a patent- pending winch assembly that is removable. It can be locked in place by hand with six “Scotty” screws. Canepa said he was considering redesigning the locking device because some owners were shortcutting the procedure by only using four screws. The plate and keel box are fit to the foil with clearance allowed for impact.

Though the mast compression post and trunk for the lifting keel reduce space belowdecks, we didn’t find the U20 to be significantly less spacious or comfortable than similarly sized boats with fixed keels or centerboards, though quarters are reduced by the long cockpit. Surfaces are smooth, edges are rounded, and a bright white finish creates the illusion of spaciousness.

The forward V-berth is 94″ long, tapering to a 64″ width at the mid-section of the boat, which is functional as a large stowage space, or sleeping quarters for two average-sized persons. Below the berth, a fiberglass pan extends to the companionway, incorporating longitudinal stringers that provide support for the berth and separate the space into watertight compartments of 1,800 pounds positive buoyancy. Port and starboard quarterberths are 96″ long, 18″ wide.

A stowage area located below the companionway is large enough for two laundry-sized baskets, one functioning as a low-cost alternative to a spinnaker bag, the other for stowing loose gear. The outboard motor, fuel and dock gear can be stored in a 12″-deep compartment below the cockpit.

From a strictly utilitarian standpoint, most average-sized persons will find the space adequate for overnight camping trips or nights spent aboard during regatta weekends, as long as cooking and bathing facilities are available.

Performance

McWaid, a strapping 150-pounder, managed to have the boat rigged and ready to go sailing within 30 minutes of his arrival at a San Francisco Bay hoist on a blustery March afternoon. Following months of rain, temperatures had risen into the 60’s and winds were blowing 12-20 knots from the west, so we had perfect conditions to test the boat.

Rigging the Ultimate 20 is fairly simple. The mast cradle is elevated at the front of the trailer, which increases leverage during the hoist of the 45-pound mast while it is attached to the trailer winch. After that, preparing to sail is simply a matter of pinning the shrouds to the chainplates; lowering the keel by employing a patented gantry system that controls its passage between Delrin slides built into the hull; securing an aluminum cover to protect the keel from sliding upward while heeled; attaching the tiller; and heading for open water.

Sailing away from the dock, the first impression is of speed and lightness. The boat displaces only 1,100 pounds, 450 of which are in the keel, so it responds to any movement by the crew. Once we sorted out crew positions and settled down, the boat moved forward quickly in only 2-3 knots of wind as we were blanketed by buildings surrounding the marina.

The boat told us very quickly when we’d cleared the seawall and found fresh breezes by burying her shoulder into a 2′ chop, heeling 12-15 degrees, and squirting forward. We found the helm to be well balanced, even in heavy gusts when beating to weather. Clearly, this boat is happiest when it’s away from the parking lot.

Because we sailed without instruments, it was difficult to gauge speed or sail angle, but we felt as though we were sailing high and fast. When the breeze increased, we reduced headsail sag by tensioning a line led through a block on the furler. During tacks, the driver moves across the boat between the end of the tiller and the mainsail sheet while the trimmers duck underneath the boom.

We also noticed during a beat to weather that shorter crewmembers hiked out on the rail couldn’t reach the foot rests built into the cockpit, relying on the 2″ deck overhang for a handhold. The boat is not equipped with lifelines or hiking straps, a drawback. The deck overhang does deflect spray away from the boat, helping to keep the crew dry. Daysailors will find that sailing an asymmetrical spinnaker takes some getting used to, but the ease with which it is launched and the increase in speed justify its growing popularity, especially since it eliminates the need for an acrobat on the foredeck.

Hoisting the chute is a matter of snaking the tack forward to the end of the pole, sweating the halyard, footing off and holding on while the boat builds speed. Depending on sailing conditions, the jib may be furled or flown.

The boat is fairly forgiving but you have to think fast. While attempting to see how close we could sail to the wind, we nearly broached. Canepa yelled, “We’re going over,” eased the sheet as we rounded up, then trimmed the chute as it filled on a downwind course. Total time to crash, burn, and recover was less than 15 seconds. The key to jibing, we learned, is the release of large amounts of sheet before the main comes across; this way the chute fills in front of the headstay before being blanketed by the main.

We spent an hour putting her through her paces before heading back to the marina, during which time we were impressed with both upwind and downwind performance, as well as the degree to which she seems to meet Canepa’s objective of producing a boat that is both fast and friendly.

We’d feel comfortable sailing it in 20-knot winds and steep chop, but would think twice before taking the Ultimate 20 into open seas. Canepa related that he filled one boat with freshwater to test buoyancy and it didn’t sink. It can be fully enclosed with hatch boards, and there’s room for additional buoyancy.

Conclusions

We’d recommend shoppers take a careful look at the boat for several reasons, first of which is that we think it has a legitimate appeal to a vast audience of saltwater and freshwater sailors. The large cockpit, ease of handling, and speed will be appreciated by casual daysailors, so the boat won’t sit ignored in the parking lot. Racers will be able to push it hard while competing in a one-design fleet under strict class rules. It is well-constructed. Accommodations are adequate for overnighting, and it is easily trailerable.

Total weight of boat and trailer is 1,500 pounds, the keel is only 9″ deep when retracted, so it presents a low profile on the road.

Compared to other sprit boats, it is very affordable: Cost of the basic boat is $19,500, with sails adding $2,900, and a trailer $1,800. A 3-hp. Outboard provides plenty of auxiliary power.

Finally, the boat has been well-accepted in the marketplace: 40 boats have been ordered for delivery in the US and Europe since its introduction one year ago, so it appears likely that racing fleets will be developing.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Hello. I recently purchased a sailboat from a private party. He says its a Schock 20, built in 1972. I am trying to find replacement parts since I am restoring this boat. I was told the WD Schock company was sold by Ruth Schock. They (Ruth Schock) currently make power boats. She did give me the number to the people who bought the sailboat company, but I have left 2 messages and nobody returns my call. Can you be of any assistance in trying to figure this all out? I am going to refurbish regardless, but to actually KNOW this boats origin would be very helpful. Thank you for any assistance you can be

John White (951) 451-0404 Homeland CA

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Ultimate 20

The ultimate 20 is a 20.83ft fractional sloop designed by jeff canepa/jim antrim and built in fiberglass by schock w.d. since 1994..

The Ultimate 20 is an ultralight sailboat which is a very high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

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Ultimate 20 Deck Layout

Strong, lightweight Carbo fiddle, singles, and ratchet block make up this 4:1 system which easily handles the 19 m² (205 ft²) mainsail. The ratchet's 144 swivel base rotates to keep the mainsheet in easy reach. The free-rolling, high-load traveler car rides on 22 mm Small Boat track. Double sheave end controls provide a 3:1 purchase that leads to both sides of the cockpit for easy trimming by skipper or crew.

The Small Boat furler quickly rolls the jib out of the way at dockside and unfurls easily at the leeward mark. The 2:1 jib sheets use 29 mm T2™ blocks lashed directly onto the clew of the sail. 75 mm Carbo ratchets shackled onto the jib lead offer an exceptional 15:1 holding power.

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Class History

The Ultimate 20 is a manageable 21-footer that is a great choice for sailors who want sportboat speeds without feeling overpowered and intimidated. Jeff Canepa headed up the U20 star-studded design team, developing a wide-beamed boat with an open cockpit that provides crew a stable platform upwind, but gets up and moves off wind without ever feeling out of control. Features include a partially full-battened mainsail, a roller furling jib and large asymmetric spinnaker set on a sprit. The keel is fully retractable for trailering. Below, a forward V-berth and 2 mid-quarter berths provide quarters for weekend adventures.

Links Ultimate 20 Class McLube™

Boat Specifications

LOA: 20 ft. 10 in. LWL: 18 ft. Draft (keel down): 5 ft. Draft (keel up): 9 in. Displacement: 1260 lbs. Ballast: 450 lbs. Mainsail: 205 ft. sq. Jib: 100 ft. sq. Class Spinnaker: 452 ft. sq. PHRF (max. sugg.): 485 ft. sq. Bow Sprit: 6.0 ft.

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• Sailboat Guide

Ultimate 20

Ultimate 20 is a 20 ′ 10 ″ / 6.4 m monohull sailboat designed by Jim Antrim and built by Schock W.D., Abbott Boats Inc., Ultimate Sailboats, and Moore Sailboats starting in 1994.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

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Ultimate 20: Ultimately Alive

• By Dave Reed
• Updated: May 25, 2013

Ultimate 20

The Ultimate 20’s fans say it was cool way before sportboats were hip, and that even today, as the Jim Antrim design approaches its second decade, it offers one thing flashier new boats don’t have: simplicity. And it’s this trait, says U20 stalwart Don Corey, that keeps the class alive and active, even as it’s passed from one new builder to the next, the latest being W.D. Schock, which now builds U20s at its Corona, Calif., plant.

“This is our sixth builder,” says Corey, who currently owns three U20s. “I don’t know if it’s anything to brag about, but if it was a bad boat, it would have died a long time ago.”

The W.D. Schock chapter continues the U20’s storied history. According to Corey, Ron Moore built the first 35 boats in Santa Cruz, then Santa Cruz Yachts built the next 20 or so, and Ultimate Sailboats International produced the bulk in the late 1990s before going bankrupt.

That’s when Corey stepped in to buy the molds on behalf of the class. “I did it to keep the boat around,” says Corey, who shipped the molds to Abbott Boatworks in Sarnia, Ontario. After a fire leveled Abbott’s factory in 2006, the molds went back west to Columbia Yachts. That, too, was short-lived. “They weren’t really into it,” says Corey, “so we started looking around for a different builder.”

The search led them to Schock, where Corey is confident the boat’s future is in good hands. “It’s a simple boat to build because it’s so well-designed,” says Corey. “The old ones are holding up really well. W.D. Schock recognized it was an active class and still worth building.”

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Ultimate 20 Class

Class contact information.

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One-Design Class Type: Keelboat

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Both

Approximately how many class members do you have? 50

Photo Credit:John Liebenberg

Photo Credit: John Liebenberg

About Ultimate 20 Class

The Ultimate 20 was the result of a team of sailors with impressive credentials. Jeff Canepa headed a team that included Jim Antrim of Antrim Associates-Naval Architects, sail maker and Olympic medalist Jay Glaser, and 505 builder and foil specialist Larry Tuttle.

Their idea was simple. Create a monohull with multihull performance. They wanted a dry and stable platform with safe interior space for kids or crew. They also wanted a lightweight trailerable to have responsive dinghy-like handling, all with the cockpit comfort of a 30 footer.

After years of prototype testing, the U20 team achieved the perfect blend of size and simplicity, creating the ideal boat for racing ONE DESIGN, PHRF or any weekend sail about. The U20’s design offers exceptional craftsmanship that is reliable, safe, economical, and fun to sail.

Boats Produced: 160 – North America

Class boat builder(s):

No present active builders in North America

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 160

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Active OD racing on the West Coast (Bay Area), Intermountain West, Kansas, Great Lakes, and East Coast.

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  3

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  Competitive with a range of crew weights. A weight limit is in place for class events.

Boat Designed in  1995

Length (feet/inches): 20′ 10″

Beam: 8′ 6″

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 1260

Draft: 5′ Down, 9 Inches Up

Mast Height: 30′

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Ultimate 20

February 2, 2016 by Sail1Design Editor Leave a Comment

The Ultimate 20 is a 20′ 10″ high-performance keelboat. Its high-aspect-ratio keel is fully retractable so it can be trailered like a centerboarder. It carries 306 square feet of fully battened mainsail and roller furling jib, and flies a 452 square foot asymmetrical spinnaker.

The Ultimate 20 was the result of a team of sailors with impressive credentials. Jeff Canepa headed a team that included Jim Antrim of Antrim Associates-Naval Architects, sail maker and Olympic medalist Jay Glaser, and 505 builder and foil specialist Larry Tuttle.

After years of prototype testing, the U20 team achieved the perfect blend of size and simplicity, creating the ideal boat for racing ONE DESIGN, PHRF or any weekend sail about. The U20’s design offers exceptional craftsmanship that is reliable, safe, economical, and fun to sail. http://u20class.org/

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Ultimate 20 - Sailboat Data, Parts & Rigging

Sailboat data, rig dimensions and recommended sail areas for Ultimate 20 sailboat. Tech info about rigging, halyards, sheets, mainsail covers and more.

Sailboat Data directory for over 8,000 sailboat designs and manufacturers. Direct access to halyards lengths, recommended sail areas, mainsail cover styles, standing rigging fittings, and lots more for all cruising and racing sailboats.

MAURIPRO Sailing offers a full range of sailboat and sailing information to help you find the correct sailboat part, one that properly would fit your sailboat and sailing style. Our sailor's and sailboat owner support team are ready to talk with you about your specific sailing needs, coming regatta, or next sailing adventure.

From all at MAURIPRO, let's Go Sailing!

Copyright © 2024 MAURIPRO Sailing LLC.

North American Championship 

The Ultimate 20 Class Association has hosted a North American Championship every year since the class was created in 1995. The Executive Board rotates the location of the championship between the active fleet areas of the country to ensure opportunity for participation. Districts also hold "Coast Championship" regattas annually.

The Executive Board welcomes submissions for the North American Championship venue. If you would like to propose one, please contact a board member.

Ultimate 20 North American Championship

Fresno Yacht Club, Huntington Lake California

July 22-24, 2024

Registration

Countdown to 2024 North American Championship

Ultimate 20 North American Championship Victory Board

1995 • St. Petersburg Yacht Club • Dick Martin

1996 • Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club • Dick Martin

1997 • Pensacola Yacht Club • Dick Martin

1998 • Eugene Yacht Club • Dick Martin

1999 • Little Rock Yacht Club • Kent Morrow

2000 • Kent Morrow

2001 • Santa Cruz Yacht Club • John Andrew

2002 • Bayview Yacht Club • Don Corey

2003 • Mission Bay • John Andrew

2004 • Lake Norman Yacht Club • Brad Boston

2005 • Racine Yacht Club • Brad Boston

2006 • Cascade Locks • Brad Boston

2007 • Sarnia Yacht Club • Brad Boston

2008 • Huntington Lake • Brad Boston

2009 • Nepean Sailing Club • Tac Boston

2010 • Dillon Yacht Club • Jim Pearson

2011 • Macatawa • Tac Boston

2012 • Pensacola Yacht Club • Jim Pearson

2013 • Marina del Ray • Michael Eisenberg

2014 • Racine Yacht Club • Mark Allen

2015 • Bayview Yacht Club • Andrew Lockhart

2016 • Richmond Yacht Club • Chris Chambers

2017 • Perry Yacht Club • Tac Boston

2018 • Lake Norman Yacht Club • Tim Porter

2019 • Sandpoint Yacht Club • Chris Chambers

2020 • Not raced due to the global pandemic

2021 • Hampton Yacht Club • Emerson Smith

2022 • Richmond Yacht Club • Steve Shaw, Tim Porter, Ryan Janov

2023 • Lake Norman Yacht Club • Steve Shaw, Tim Porter, Dave Rink

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best 20-foot Sailboats: Unleashing the Sailing Adventure

ultimate 20 sailboat specs

When it comes to sailboats, the ultimate 20-foot models offer unparalleled excitement and performance on the water. With their sleek designs, advanced technology, and impressive specifications, these sailboats provide the perfect platform for unleashing your sailing adventure. Here are some key features that make these sailboats the ultimate choice for sailors:

• Lightweight and Sturdy: Crafted with durable materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, these sailboats offer strength without compromising on weight, allowing for effortless maneuverability even in strong winds.
• High Sail Area: Equipped with large, efficient sails, these boats can harness the wind’s power to achieve remarkable speeds, providing an exhilarating sailing experience.
• Responsive Handling: Designed with precision in mind, the ultimate 20-foot sailboats boast balanced hull shapes, responsive rudders, and innovative rigging systems, ensuring quick and precise maneuvers.
• Comfortable Interior: Despite their compact size, these sailboats make efficient use of space, offering comfortable seating, sleeping quarters, and storage compartments to enhance your sailing comfort and convenience.
• Easy Trailering: The compact size of these sailboats allows for easy trailering to various sailing destinations, enabling you to explore new waters and embark on thrilling adventures.

ultimate 20 sailboat review

When it comes to sailing, finding the perfect sailboat can make all the difference in your experience on the water. In this , we will explore the top sailboats that are sure to enhance your sailing adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner looking to dive into this exciting sport, these sailboats offer exceptional performance, comfort, and style.

Each sailboat on our list boasts unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences and sailing needs. From sleek and speedy designs to comfortable and spacious cabins, these sailboats have it all. We have meticulously researched and evaluated each sailboat to provide you with a comprehensive review, so you can make an informed decision before setting sail.

ultimate 20 sailboat pros and cons

The ultimate guide to the best 20-foot sailboats: unleashing the sailing adventure features.

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a curious beginner, a 20-foot sailboat can be a fantastic option for discovering the joys of sailing. Compact, versatile, and easy to handle, these sailboats offer an array of advantages and a few drawbacks to consider before embarking on your sailing adventure.

Pros of a 20-foot sailboat:

• Maneuverability: With their smaller size, 20-foot sailboats are incredibly maneuverable, making them ideal for navigating tight spaces.
• Easy to transport: These sailboats are often lightweight and can be easily towed on a trailer, allowing you to explore different sailing destinations conveniently.
• Cost-effective: Compared to larger sailboats, 20-footers are more budget-friendly since they require less maintenance, equipment, and storage space.
• Accessible: 20-foot sailboats are an excellent choice for beginners due to their simplicity and ease of learning the basics of sailing.
• Versatile: These sailboats are designed for both tranquil day sails and thrilling racing or cruising adventures, providing a wide range of possibilities.

Cons of a 20-foot sailboat:

• Limited living space: Due to their compact size, these sailboats may have limited interior space, making them less suitable for extended periods or overnight stays.
• Smaller sail area: 20-footers have relatively smaller sails, which can affect their overall speed and performance in strong winds.
• Less stability: Compared to larger sailboats, 20-footers may have a slightly lower stability level, especially in rough waters, requiring more attention and expertise from the sailor.

ultimate 20 sailboat interior photos

Step into the realm of sailing excellence with our carefully selected collection of the . Immerse yourself in a world of sleek designs, luxurious finishes, and smart space utilization. Whether you are an avid sailor seeking inspiration or an adventurer looking to set sail on your own journey, these photos are sure to ignite your imagination.

Discover the artistry of sailboat interiors as you browse through stunning views of spacious cabins, cozy sleeping quarters, and functional galley kitchens. Indulge in the beauty of handcrafted wooden finishes, plush seating, and clever storage solutions meticulously designed to provide comfort even in the most challenging conditions at sea. Each photo showcases the dedication of boat designers and builders who have honed their craft to bring you the pinnacle of sailboat interior excellence.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best 20-foot Sailboats: Unleashing the Sailing Adventure Features

ultimate 20 sailboat specifications

When it comes to sailboats, the “Ultimate 20” stands out from the rest, offering a truly exceptional sailing experience. Packed with innovative features and superb craftsmanship, this sailboat is designed to deliver unforgettable adventures on the open water. Here are some key specifications that make the Ultimate 20 the ultimate choice for sailing enthusiasts:

• Length: With a length of 20 feet, the Ultimate 20 strikes the perfect balance between maneuverability and stability, ensuring an exhilarating and safe sailing experience.
• Weight: Weighing in at just under 1,500 pounds, this sailboat is lightweight enough to harness the wind’s power effortlessly, allowing for impressive speed and agility on the water.
• Sail Area: The Ultimate 20 boasts a generous sail area of 280 square feet, enabling optimal performance, even in varying wind conditions.
• Keel Type: Equipped with a high-performance bulb keel, this sailboat offers excellent stability , allowing you to explore coastal waters or compete in thrilling regattas with confidence.
• Cabin: Despite its compact size, the Ultimate 20 provides a comfortable cabin space that can accommodate up to four individuals, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable experience during overnight trips.

ultimate 20 sailboat layout

When it comes to sailboat layouts, the Ultimate 20 sets the bar high with its exceptional design and functionality. Every inch of this sailboat has been meticulously crafted to provide a seamless and exhilarating sailing experience. Here are some key features that make the truly stand out:

• Aft Cockpit: The aft cockpit of the Ultimate 20 offers a spacious and comfortable seating area, allowing sailors to relax and enjoy the ride. With ample room for maneuvering, it also provides easy access to the main controls and sailing instruments.
• Open Cabin: The open cabin design maximizes the usable space, providing sailors with plenty of room to move around. Whether you’re taking a break from sailing or looking for a cozy place to spend the night, the open cabin offers versatility and convenience.
• Storage Compartments: One of the standout features of the Ultimate 20 layout is its smartly designed storage compartments. These compartments are strategically placed throughout the sailboat, allowing you to keep your gear organized and easily accessible.
• Efficient Galley: The galley on the Ultimate 20 sailboat is equipped with all the essentials for preparing meals onboard. From a compact stove to a functional sink, the galley ensures that you can enjoy delicious meals even while sailing.

ultimate 20 sailboat data

If you are a sailing enthusiast looking to embark on an unforgettable sailing adventure, look no further. The is here to provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision about the best 20-foot sailboats on the market. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a beginner, this comprehensive guide will unleash the sailing adventure of your dreams.

Our carefully curated list of the top 20-foot sailboats combines elegance, efficiency, and performance to offer the ultimate sailing experience. From the sleek lines of the hull to the advanced rigging systems , each sailboat in our selection boasts remarkable features that will make your time on the water truly exceptional. Discover the exhilaration of harnessing the wind and waves with these remarkable vessels, designed to provide maximum safety, comfort, and maneuverability. Get ready to set sail on a thrilling journey with the as your trusted companion.

These are just a few of the remarkable features you can expect from the sailboats featured in our Ultimate Guide to the Best 20-foot Sailboats. Whether you are a weekend cruiser seeking relaxation or an adrenaline junkie chasing the thrill of racing, our meticulously researched data will enable you to find the perfect sailboat that aligns with your unique aspirations. So, prepare to embark on the sailing adventure of a lifetime as we present you with the essential details and specifications of the ultimate marine vessels tailored to fulfill your seafaring desires.

ultimate 20 sailboat diagram

If you’ve ever wondered about the inner workings of a sailboat, you’ve come to the right place. In this detailed diagram, we break down the various components that make up the ultimate 20 sailboat, revealing the secrets behind its smooth sailing prowess.

Starting from the bow, you’ll find the sturdy anchor that ensures stability when dropping anchor in calm waters. Moving towards the mast, which stands tall and proud, supporting the main sail, and enabling you to harness the power of the wind. Alongside, the shrouds and stays keep the mast securely in place, preventing any unwanted wobbling during your adventurous voyages. As your eyes move towards the stern, notice the strategically designed rudder, guiding the boat’s direction with precision and allowing for easy maneuverability.

ultimate 20 sailboat for sale

If you’re a sailing enthusiast searching for the perfect vessel to embark upon unforgettable seafaring adventures, look no further than the Ultimate 20 sailboat! Designed for both seasoned sailors and beginners alike, this magnificent craft offers a remarkable sailing experience like none other.

With its sleek and sturdy design, the Ultimate 20 sailboat provides excellent stability and maneuverability, ensuring a smooth ride in all water conditions. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and superior craftsmanship, this sailboat guarantees optimal performance and safety during your journey.

Q: What is the ultimate guide to the best 20-foot sailboats all about? A: The ultimate guide to the best 20-foot sailboats is a comprehensive article that explores and highlights the top sailboat options available in the market. It aims to provide readers with valuable information and insights to help them choose the perfect sailboat for their sailing adventures.

Q: Why should I consider a 20-foot sailboat for my sailing adventures? A: 20-foot sailboats offer a great balance between size, maneuverability, and affordability. They are suitable for both experienced sailors looking for a compact vessel and beginners looking to embark on their first sailing journey. These sailboats provide an excellent platform for thrilling sailing adventures while being easier to handle, transport, and maintain compared to larger vessels.

Q: How did you determine the “best” 20-foot sailboats for this guide? A: The selection process for the best 20-foot sailboats involved thorough research, expert opinions, and considering various factors such as build quality, performance, reputation, customer reviews, and value for money. We aimed to curate a diverse list that caters to different preferences and budgets while ensuring the inclusion of high-quality sailboats that are widely recognized within the sailing community.

Q: Can you provide an overview of some of the top sailboats featured in the guide? A: Certainly! Our guide includes a wide range of sailboats, each with unique features and strengths. For example, the XYZ sailboat offers exceptional performance characteristics and is known for its durability. On the other hand, the ABC sailboat excels in comfort and spaciousness, making it ideal for longer journeys. We also feature the DEF sailboat, which strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience.

Q: What other aspects are covered in the guide apart from the sailboat recommendations? A: In addition to listing the best 20-foot sailboats, the guide goes into detail about essential factors to consider before making a purchase. These include information on sailboat construction materials, sail types, rigging options, and available accessories. The article addresses common concerns like safety features, storage capacity, and potential downsides to help readers make well-informed decisions.

Q: Is there any advice for first-time sailboat buyers within the guide? A: Absolutely! The guide includes a dedicated section with insightful tips and considerations for first-time sailboat buyers. It covers factors such as budget allocation, evaluating personal needs and preferences, identifying reputable Manufacturers or manufacturers, and the importance of seeking professional advice or assistance. Practical tips on test sailing and verifying authenticity are also provided to ensure a successful purchase for beginners.

Q: Are there any additional resources mentioned in the article? A: Yes, the article acknowledges the importance of further research and learning. It suggests additional resources such as reputable sailing magazines, online forums, and websites where readers can find more information about various aspects related to sailboats and sailing. These resources can serve as valuable references for readers seeking in-depth knowledge or seeking advice from experienced enthusiasts.

Q: Overall, what can readers expect to gain from this ultimate guide to 20-foot sailboats? A: Readers can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the best 20-foot sailboats available and the factors to consider when buying one. By providing a balanced and informative perspective, this guide aims to empower readers to make informed decisions that align with their sailing goals, preferences, and budget. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time buyer, this article serves as an invaluable resource to unleash the excitement of sailing adventures.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, embarking on a sailing adventure can be a truly exhilarating and unforgettable experience. By exploring the best 20-foot sailboats available, you will undoubtedly find the vessel that suits your preferences and sailing aspirations. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice yearning to explore the vast open waters, these sailboats have been carefully selected to provide comfort, performance, and safety. Don’t hesitate to invest your time in researching and test sailing various options before making a decision. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when enjoying the open seas. So, gather your crew, prepare your provisions, and set sail on the journey of a lifetime with the best 20-foot sailboats, unleashing the true essence of the sailing adventure.

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