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Aurora 21
Designer: Ted Carpentier  ·  Builder: Henry Mccune/Wesco Marine/Coronado Yachts  ·  First built: 1959
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About the Aurora 21

Designed as a compact coastal cruiser, this 21-foot sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to small-boat sailing where simplicity meets functionality. The Aurora 21 appeals to sailors seeking an accessible entry point into cruising without sacrificing seaworthiness or comfort within its modest dimensions. Built with a focus on manageable single-handed or small-crew sailing, the design emphasizes ease of handling over outright performance. The cockpit layout prioritizes comfort during extended periods aboard, while the cabin provides basic amenities for weekend getaways or short coastal hops. Her moderate displacement and conservative sail plan make her forgiving for newer sailors while still offering engaging sailing characteristics. The Aurora 21 excels in protected waters, bays, and coastal areas where her shallow draft allows access to anchorages that might challenge larger vessels. While not intended for offshore passages, she demonstrates admirable stability in typical coastal conditions. Her construction reflects practical priorities, with straightforward systems that minimize complexity and maintenance requirements. This sailboat attracts owners who value the authentic sailing experience over modern convenience features, making her particularly appealing to those seeking to develop fundamental sailing skills in a seaworthy, unpretentious package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
Beam 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 1,700.00 lb / 771 kg
Ballast 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel w/bulb
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ted Carpentier
Builder Henry McCune/Wesco Marine/Coronado Yachts
First Built 1959
Last Built 1970
Number Built 600
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
29.41
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
203.8
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2.1 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 20.83
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.30 ft / 2.23 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 185.00 ft² / 17.19 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 203.80
How It Compares

vs. South Coast 21, Varianta, Venture 21, Victory 21, Windward 21 Luger

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Aurora 21 ★
21.0 ft
South Coast 21
21.0 ft
Varianta
21.0 ft
Venture 21
21.0 ft
Victory 21
21.0 ft
Windward 21 Luger
21.0 ft
LWL
Aurora 21 ★
15.5 ft
South Coast 21
14.3 ft
Varianta
17.7 ft
Venture 21
18.5 ft
Victory 21
15.0 ft
Windward 21 Luger
19.5 ft
Beam
Aurora 21 ★
6.3 ft
South Coast 21
6.9 ft
Varianta
6.9 ft
Venture 21
6.8 ft
Victory 21
6.3 ft
Windward 21 Luger
8.0 ft
Displacement
Aurora 21 ★
1 lbs
South Coast 21
2 lbs
Varianta
1 lbs
Venture 21
1 lbs
Victory 21
1 lbs
Windward 21 Luger
1 lbs
Ballast
Aurora 21 ★
500 lbs
South Coast 21
625 lbs
Varianta
573 lbs
Venture 21
400 lbs
Victory 21
500 lbs
Windward 21 Luger
Sail Area
Aurora 21 ★
South Coast 21
206 sq ft
Varianta
Venture 21
Victory 21
185 sq ft
Windward 21 Luger
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Aurora 21 ★
South Coast 21
258 s/nm
Varianta
Venture 21
252 s/nm
Victory 21
276 s/nm
Windward 21 Luger
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Aurora 21 ★
South Coast 21
20.8
Varianta
Venture 21
Victory 21
24.3
Windward 21 Luger
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Aurora 21 ★
29.4 %
South Coast 21
31.3 %
Varianta
44.1 %
Venture 21
26.7 %
Victory 21
37.0 %
Windward 21 Luger
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Aurora 21 ★
South Coast 21
14.4
Varianta
Venture 21
Victory 21
10.8
Windward 21 Luger
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Aurora 21 ★
South Coast 21
2.20
Varianta
Venture 21
Victory 21
2.26
Windward 21 Luger
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Aurora 21 ★
203
South Coast 21
303
Varianta
104
Venture 21
105
Victory 21
178
Windward 21 Luger
108
Hull Speed
Aurora 21 ★
South Coast 21
5.1 kts
Varianta
Venture 21
Victory 21
5.2 kts
Windward 21 Luger
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Aurora 21 ★
South Coast 21
2.0
Varianta
Venture 21
Victory 21
3.9
Windward 21 Luger
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