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Halcyon 27
Designer: Alan Buchanan  ·  Builder: Offshore Yachts Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Halcyon 27

Built by Offshore Yachts Ltd. in the UK from 1968 to 1975, this Alan Buchanan-designed 27-footer represents classic British cruising yacht philosophy with its traditional long keel configuration and transom-hung rudder. The Halcyon 27's substantial 6,720-pound displacement and generous 3,000-pound ballast provide exceptional stability and seaworthiness, making her well-suited for serious coastal cruising and moderate offshore passages. Her masthead sloop rig carries 290 square feet of working sail area, delivering respectable performance while remaining manageable for a small crew. The long keel design offers excellent tracking and directional stability in heavy weather, though at the expense of some maneuverability in tight quarters. With a comfort ratio of 30.89, she falls into the heavy displacement category that prioritizes seakeeping ability over speed. The boat's conservative capsize screening formula of 1.63 indicates good offshore capability, while her 6.03-knot hull speed provides adequate passage-making performance. Originally fitted with modest 7-horsepower auxiliary power, the Halcyon 27 appeals to sailors who value traditional sailing characteristics and proven seaworthiness over modern high-performance attributes. Her fiberglass construction ensures durability while maintaining the classic lines of her era.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.00 ft / 8.23 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.25 ft / 6.17 m
Beam 7.67 ft / 2.34 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 6,720.00 lb / 3,048 kg
Ballast 3,000.00 lb / 1,361 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 290.00 ft² / 26.94 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Alan Buchanan
Builder Offshore Yachts Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1968
Last Built 1975
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
13.07
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
44.64
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
361.28
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
30.89
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.63
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.03 kn
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. 554.97 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Wickstrom
Engine Type Gas
Horsepower 7
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