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Pandora Mk I
Designer: E. G. Van De Stadt  ·  Builder: Grimsby Plastics / Rydgeway Marine Uk  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Pandora Mk I

A classic example of British cruising heritage, the Pandora Mk I is a traditional offshore sailing yacht that earned a loyal following among blue-water sailors and coastal cruisers alike. Designed with seaworthiness and long-distance capability in mind, she appeals to sailors who prioritize comfort and confidence in open water over racing performance. With limited specification data available, much of what defines the Pandora Mk I is her reputation as a capable and forgiving passage-maker. Her hull form reflects the design sensibilities of her era, emphasizing stability and a reassuring motion at sea — qualities that matter greatly when miles from shore. She is generally regarded as a solid choice for experienced sailors seeking a dependable bluewater cruiser or those looking to take on extended coastal voyaging. For anyone considering a Pandora Mk I, she rewards careful inspection and hands-on research. Speaking with current owners and seeking out class associations or sailing communities dedicated to the type will provide the most reliable insight into her real-world performance, typical maintenance demands, and long-term ownership experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.83 ft / 6.65 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.75 ft / 5.72 m
Beam 6.92 ft / 2.11 m
Max Draft 3.25 ft / 0.99 m
Displacement 2,427.00 lb / 1,101 kg
Ballast 980.00 lb / 445 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer E. G. Van de Stadt
Builder Grimsby Plastics / Rydgeway Marine UK
First Built 1968
Last Built 1973
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
14.49
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
2.06
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. 5.8
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. 463.61
How It Compares

vs. Seal 22, South Coast 22, Trotter Pandora

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Pandora Mk I ★
21.8 ft
Seal 22
21.8 ft
South Coast 22
22.0 ft
Trotter Pandora
21.8 ft
LWL
Pandora Mk I ★
18.8 ft
Seal 22
18.0 ft
South Coast 22
17.5 ft
Trotter Pandora
17.7 ft
Beam
Pandora Mk I ★
6.9 ft
Seal 22
7.8 ft
South Coast 22
7.1 ft
Trotter Pandora
6.9 ft
Displacement
Pandora Mk I ★
2 lbs
Seal 22
2 lbs
South Coast 22
1 lbs
Trotter Pandora
2 lbs
Ballast
Pandora Mk I ★
980 lbs
Seal 22
800 lbs
South Coast 22
505 lbs
Trotter Pandora
950 lbs
Sail Area
Pandora Mk I ★
Seal 22
185 sq ft
South Coast 22
228 sq ft
Trotter Pandora
178 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Pandora Mk I ★
Seal 22
234 s/nm
South Coast 22
276 s/nm
Trotter Pandora
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Pandora Mk I ★
Seal 22
16.6
South Coast 22
24.7
Trotter Pandora
15.5
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Pandora Mk I ★
14.5
Seal 22
12.7
South Coast 22
10.9
Trotter Pandora
15.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Pandora Mk I ★
2.06
Seal 22
2.32
South Coast 22
2.33
Trotter Pandora
2.03
Hull Speed
Pandora Mk I ★
5.8 kts
Seal 22
5.7 kts
South Coast 22
5.6 kts
Trotter Pandora
5.6 kts
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