Designed by Derek Angus and built by Olympic Yachts Ltd. in Canada starting in 1973, this compact 23-footer represents a thoughtful approach to small boat cruising and coastal sailing. The swing keel configuration is the Dolphin 23's defining feature, allowing sailors to explore shallow waters and trail the boat easily while maintaining good sailing performance when the keel is deployed.
With a displacement of 2,200 pounds and substantial ballast of 1,000 pounds, the Olympic Dolphin 23 offers impressive stability for its size. The masthead sloop rig provides a generous sail area of 211 square feet, giving spirited performance in light to moderate conditions. The fiberglass construction ensures durability and low maintenance, while the beam of 7.25 feet creates a surprisingly roomy interior for weekend cruising.
This design excels at coastal cruising, day sailing, and exploring shallow bays and rivers where fixed-keel boats cannot venture. The comfort ratio of 11.47 suggests a relatively stiff, quick motion in waves, while the capsize screening formula of 2.23 indicates the boat is well-suited for protected and near-coastal waters rather than offshore passages. For sailors seeking an affordable, versatile small cruiser with shoal-draft capabilities, the Olympic Dolphin 23 delivers practical sailing in a manageable package.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
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
20.01
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.
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
114
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
11.47
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
2.23
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.
6.07 kn
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
4.44
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.
531.05 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc)
Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure.
20.07
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height)
25.00 ft / 7.62 m
J (Foretriangle Base)
8.58 ft / 2.62 m
P (Mainsail Luff)
21.42 ft / 6.53 m
E (Mainsail Foot)
9.75 ft / 2.97 m
SA Fore
107.25 ft² / 9.96 m²
SA Main
104.42 ft² / 9.70 m²
SA Total (100%)
211.67 ft² / 19.66 m²
Est. Forestay Length
26.43 ft / 8.06 m
How It Compares
vs. Oday 23 2, Py 23 Paceship, Venture Of Newport 23
