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Formula 21
 ·  Builder: Independant Yachts (Can)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Formula 21

Formula Marine's 21-foot sailboat represents a compact entry into the world of trailerable sailing, designed for sailors seeking an accessible yet capable platform for weekend adventures and skill development. This modest-sized vessel falls squarely into the small cruiser category, offering enough space for day sailing with friends or family while remaining manageable for single-handed operation. The Formula 21's design emphasizes practicality and ease of handling, making it particularly well-suited for coastal waters, protected bays, and inland lakes. Its trailerable size opens up opportunities for exploring different sailing grounds without the commitment of a slip rental, appealing to sailors who value flexibility in their cruising plans. While detailed specifications remain limited, the boat's proportions suggest a focus on stability and comfort rather than pure performance. The cockpit arrangement typically provides adequate seating for a small crew, while the cabin offers basic accommodations for overnight trips or shelter from weather. This sailboat serves as an excellent stepping stone for sailors transitioning from dinghies to larger keelboats, or for experienced sailors seeking a simple, low-maintenance vessel for casual sailing adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.08 ft / 6.43 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.33 ft / 5.59 m
Beam 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Max Draft 3.75 ft / 1.14 m
Displacement 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Independant Yachts (CAN)
First Built 1980
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
204
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
130.48
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. 2.85 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 22.11
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 204.00 ft² / 18.95 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 130.48
How It Compares

vs. Hunter 212, Irwin 21 Free Spirit, Macgregor 21

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Formula 21 ★
21.1 ft
Hunter 212
21.0 ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
21.0 ft
Macgregor 21
21.0 ft
LWL
Formula 21 ★
18.3 ft
Hunter 212
18.0 ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
16.5 ft
Macgregor 21
18.5 ft
Beam
Formula 21 ★
7.3 ft
Hunter 212
9.2 ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
8.0 ft
Macgregor 21
6.8 ft
Displacement
Formula 21 ★
1 lbs
Hunter 212
1 lbs
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
1 lbs
Macgregor 21
1 lbs
Ballast
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
140 lbs
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
750 lbs
Macgregor 21
400 lbs
Sail Area
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
202 sq ft
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
202 sq ft
Macgregor 21
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Formula 21 ★
204 s/nm
Hunter 212
216 s/nm
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
215 s/nm
Macgregor 21
263 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
21.9
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
21.9
Macgregor 21
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
7.8 %
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
41.7 %
Macgregor 21
34.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
7.7
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
9.8
Macgregor 21
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
3.02
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
2.63
Macgregor 21
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Formula 21 ★
130
Hunter 212
137
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
178
Macgregor 21
82
Hull Speed
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
5.7 kts
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
5.4 kts
Macgregor 21
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Formula 21 ★
Hunter 212
4.3
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
3.6
Macgregor 21
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