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Piccolo
Designer: Jean-Pierre Villenave  ·  Builder: Plans From Designer  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Piccolo

Compact, nimble, and approachable, the Piccolo is a small sailboat that has found a loyal following among sailors seeking an affordable and manageable entry point into sailing. Designed with simplicity in mind, the Piccolo suits sheltered coastal and inland waters, making it a practical choice for day sailing, leisurely cruising, and introductory racing on lakes and bays. Its modest size is one of its greatest strengths, allowing easy trailering, straightforward rigging, and single-handed or short-handed sailing without demanding advanced technical skill. This accessibility makes the Piccolo particularly appealing to new sailors, families, and those returning to the water after a break, as well as experienced sailors looking for a low-maintenance weekend boat. While detailed specifications are limited, the Piccolo's reputation centers on its forgiving nature and ease of handling rather than high-performance sailing. Prospective buyers should expect a boat built for enjoyment and relaxation rather than offshore passages or competitive racing. For those prioritizing simplicity, portability, and fun on the water, the Piccolo represents a charming and sensible choice worth investigating further.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.33 ft / 6.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.68 ft / 6.00 m
Beam 8.07 ft / 2.46 m
Max Draft 3.94 ft / 1.20 m
Displacement 2,646.00 lb / 1,200 kg
Ballast 882.00 lb / 400 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 290.00 ft² / 26.94 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Plywood
Designer Jean-Pierre Villenave
Builder Plans from designer
First Built 1984
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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
24.31
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
12.55
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
2.34
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. 5.94
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. 567.47
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