The Formula 21 is designed for cruising comfort rather than racing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 18.3′, the Formula 21 tops out around 5.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √18.3′ LWL = 5.7 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
204s/nm
Typical cruiser — designed for comfort and ease, not podium finishes.
Displacement / Length
130
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Formula 21 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Impulse 21
Formula 21
Typical cruiser — designed for comfort and ease, not podium finishes.
Irwin 21 Free Spirit
Hunter 212
Venture 21
Macgregor 21
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Formula 21.
| Formula 21 | Hunter 212 | Impulse 21 | Irwin 21 Free Spirit | Macgregor 21 | Venture 21 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 21.1 | 21.0 | 21.0 | 21.0 | 21.0 | 21.0 |
| LWL | 18.3 | 18.0 | 18.5 | 16.5 | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Beam | 7.3 | 9.2 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| Displacement | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ballast | — | 140 | 600 | 750 | 400 | 400 |
| Sail Area | — | 202 | 208 | 202 | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 204 | 216 | 183 | 215 | 263 | 252 |
| SA/Disp | — | 21.9 | 28.0 | 21.9 | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | — | 7.8 | 46.2 | 41.7 | 34.0 | 26.7 |
| Comfort | — | 7.7 | 6.5 | 9.8 | — | — |
| Capsize | — | 3.02 | 2.93 | 2.63 | — | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.4 | — | — |