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Mini 12
Designer: Judel/Vrolijk  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Mini 12

Designed as an accessible entry point into small boat sailing, this compact sailboat represents a practical approach to learning the fundamentals of sailing and boat handling. With its modest dimensions, the Mini 12 offers an ideal platform for beginners seeking to develop their skills in protected waters and light coastal conditions. The boat's straightforward design emphasizes simplicity and ease of handling, making it particularly well-suited for sailing instruction, day sailing, and casual recreational use. Its size makes it manageable for single-handed sailing while still accommodating a small crew for shared adventures. The Mini 12's lightweight construction allows for easy launching and retrieval, expanding access to smaller harbors and launch facilities that larger boats cannot utilize. While not intended for serious offshore work or competitive racing, this sailboat excels in its intended role as a versatile small craft. Its forgiving sailing characteristics help build confidence in new sailors, while experienced sailors often appreciate its responsiveness and connection to the water. The Mini 12 serves communities, sailing schools, and individual sailors who prioritize simplicity, affordability, and pure sailing enjoyment over complex systems or extended cruising capabilities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 9.84 ft / 3.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 8.37 ft / 2.55 m
Beam 2.65 ft / 0.81 m
Max Draft 2.30 ft / 0.70 m
Displacement 265.00 lb / 120 kg
Ballast 194.00 lb / 88 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 43.00 ft² / 3.99 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Judel/Vrolijk
First Built 1981
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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
16.69
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
12.66
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
1.65
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. 3.88
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. 79.25
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