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International 23
Designer: Helsen  ·  Builder: International Yacht Corp.  ·  First built: 1975
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About the International 23

Originally developed as a one-design racing class, this 23-foot sailboat has earned recognition for its competitive spirit and accessible performance characteristics. Built primarily for small boat racing enthusiasts, the International 23 delivers consistent handling and responsiveness that has made it a popular choice for yacht club fleets and sailing programs. The design emphasizes simplicity and reliability, featuring a straightforward rig that allows sailors to focus on tactical racing rather than complex boat handling. Its moderate proportions make it well-suited for coastal sailing and day racing, while remaining manageable for crews of varying experience levels. The boat's construction typically follows strict one-design rules, ensuring fair competition and standardized performance across the fleet. Racing sailors appreciate the International 23's predictable behavior and forgiving nature, which allows for close competition while building sailing skills. The class has maintained an active racing circuit in various regions, with organized regattas that showcase the boat's competitive capabilities. While primarily designed for racing, the boat's stable platform and comfortable cockpit also make it suitable for recreational day sailing and sailing instruction programs.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.75 ft / 7.24 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.83 ft / 6.04 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Min Draft 1.33 ft / 0.41 m
Displacement 3,090.00 lb / 1,402 kg
Ballast 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 245.00 ft² / 22.76 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Helsen
Builder International Yacht Corp.
First Built 1975
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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
18.53
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
14.24
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
2.2
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. 5.97
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
3.18
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. 566.84
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 28.08
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.25
P (Mainsail Luff) 23.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.75
SA Fore 143.91
SA Main 100.63
How It Compares

vs. Buccaneer 240, Ranger 23, S2 73

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
International 23 ★
23.8 ft
Buccaneer 240
23.7 ft
Ranger 23
23.7 ft
S2 73
23.8 ft
LWL
International 23 ★
19.8 ft
Buccaneer 240
20.3 ft
Ranger 23
20.0 ft
S2 73
18.5 ft
Beam
International 23 ★
8.0 ft
Buccaneer 240
8.0 ft
Ranger 23
7.9 ft
S2 73
8.0 ft
Displacement
International 23 ★
3 lbs
Buccaneer 240
4 lbs
Ranger 23
3 lbs
S2 73
3 lbs
Ballast
International 23 ★
900 lbs
Buccaneer 240
1 lbs
Ranger 23
1 lbs
S2 73
1 lbs
Sail Area
International 23 ★
245 sq ft
Buccaneer 240
248 sq ft
Ranger 23
244 sq ft
S2 73
255 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
International 23 ★
Buccaneer 240
264 s/nm
Ranger 23
222 s/nm
S2 73
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
International 23 ★
18.5
Buccaneer 240
15.8
Ranger 23
17.3
S2 73
18.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
International 23 ★
Buccaneer 240
31.3 %
Ranger 23
S2 73
40.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
International 23 ★
14.2
Buccaneer 240
18.2
Ranger 23
15.8
S2 73
15.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
International 23 ★
2.20
Buccaneer 240
2.02
Ranger 23
2.11
S2 73
2.16
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
International 23 ★
Buccaneer 240
212
Ranger 23
S2 73
229
Hull Speed
International 23 ★
6.0 kts
Buccaneer 240
6.0 kts
Ranger 23
6.0 kts
S2 73
5.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
International 23 ★
3.2
Buccaneer 240
2.2
Ranger 23
2.9
S2 73
2.6
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