The Blaze is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
65.6
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Capsize Screening
3.76
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Capsize Screening Formula
3.76
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Blaze — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Blaze.
| Blaze | 420 | B14 Bethwaite | Force 5 | Ilca 7 Laser International | Paper Tiger | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 13.8 | 13.8 | 14.0 | 13.9 | 13.9 | 14.0 |
| LWL | — | 13.2 | 13.2 | 13.2 | 12.5 | — |
| Beam | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 7.0 |
| Displacement | 143 | 220 | 141 | 140 | 128 | 160 |
| Sail Area | 112 | — | — | 91 | 76 | 100 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 65.6 | — | — | 54.0 | 47.9 | 54.3 |
| Comfort | — | — | — | 2.0 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| Capsize | 3.76 | — | — | 3.72 | 3.56 | 5.15 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | — | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.6 |