The Hornet is with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.2 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 15.0′, the Hornet tops out around 5.2 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √15.0′ LWL = 5.2 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
40
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
4.0
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
2.74
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Hull Speed
5.2kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
245lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
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.
Comfort Ratio
4.0
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
2.74
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
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Hornet.
| Hornet | Comet Od Usa | Fireball | Mc Scow | Rebel 16 | Wayfarer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 16.0 | 16.0 | 16.2 | 16.0 | 16.1 | 15.8 |
| LWL | 15.0 | 15.0 | 13.3 | — | — | 14.8 |
| Beam | 4.6 | 5.5 | 4.4 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 6.1 |
| Displacement | 300 | 260 | 170 | 420 | 700 | 372 |
| Sail Area | — | 140 | 123 | 135 | 166 | 141 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 55.0 | 64.2 | 38.6 | — | 43.7 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 2.7 | 2.6 | — | 6.0 | 3.4 |
| Capsize | 2.74 | 3.45 | 3.19 | 3.03 | — | 3.38 |
| Hull Speed | 5.2 | 5.2 | 4.9 | — | 5.0 | 5.2 |