The Flying Tern 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
44.2
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Capsize Screening
3.09
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
3.09
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 Flying Tern — 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 Flying Tern.
| Flying Tern | Gp14 | Javelin 14 Fox | Lido 14 | Merlin Rocket | Yachting World Dayboat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 13.9 | 14.0 | 14.0 | 14.0 | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| LWL | — | — | 13.2 | 13.8 | 13.5 | 13.7 |
| Beam | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 7.2 | 5.7 |
| Displacement | 287 | 293 | 475 | 310 | 210 | 450 |
| Ballast | — | — | 49 | — | — | — |
| Sail Area | 120 | 103 | 125 | 111 | — | 132 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 44.2 | 37.4 | 32.9 | 38.8 | — | 36.0 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | 10.3 | — | — | — |
| Comfort | — | — | 5.4 | 3.2 | — | 5.0 |
| Capsize | 3.09 | 3.04 | 2.91 | 3.55 | — | 2.96 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | 4.9 | 5.0 | — | 5.0 |