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Petrel
Designer: Nathanael Herreshoff  ·  Builder: Golden Era Boats  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Petrel

A classic and characterful small sailboat, the Petrel has earned a quiet reputation among sailors who appreciate simplicity and responsive handling on the water. Designed with accessibility in mind, it appeals to those looking to develop their sailing skills or enjoy relaxed daysailing and coastal cruising without the complexity of a larger vessel. With its manageable size and straightforward rigging, the Petrel is well suited to sheltered bays, inland lakes, and protected coastal waters. It rewards attentive helmsmanship and offers an honest, connected feel that more modern, performance-oriented designs can sometimes lack. Sailors often praise its forgiving nature, making it a solid choice for novice and intermediate sailors alike, while still offering enough character to keep experienced hands engaged. For those researching a first boat or a low-maintenance weekend sailor, the Petrel represents a practical and often affordable entry point into the hobby. Its enduring presence in sailing communities speaks to a design that balances function with charm, and finding one in good condition can make for a genuinely rewarding ownership experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.75 ft / 6.32 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
Beam 7.12 ft / 2.17 m
Max Draft 3.92 ft / 1.19 m
Displacement 2,850.00 lb / 1,293 kg
Ballast 1,400.00 lb / 635 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 265.00 ft² / 24.62 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Nathanael Herreshoff
Builder Golden Era Boats
First Built 1977
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 291
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
 21.15
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
 18.49
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
 2.01
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. 5.36
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. 407.05
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