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Performance

Pixel Performance

How the Pixel performs on the water — racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort.

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The Pixel is aggressively canvassed for its weight, with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.

Hull Speed

The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.

4.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.

Performance Ratios

Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.

SA / Displacement
46.4
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Displacement / Length
52
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
2.4
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Hull Speed
4.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.

Motion & Offshore Suitability

Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.

Comfort Ratio
2.4
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore

Estimated Speed by Wind

Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.

Point of Sail 6 kts TWS 10 kts TWS 15 kts TWS 20 kts TWS
Close-hauled40–50° 2.2 2.7 3.0 3.2
Close Reach60° 2.6 3.3 3.7 3.8
Beam Reach90° 3.2 4.0 4.5 4.9
Broad Reach120–135° 3.0 3.7 4.2 4.5
Run150–180° 2.4 3.0 3.3 3.5
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (4.6 kts), SA/D (46.4), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current. Speeds in gold approach hull speed; bold gold means near or at hull speed.

Wind Range & Comfort Envelope

Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Pixel — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.

Ghost
Sweet Spot
Reef
Heavy
0–5 kts 5–16 kts 16–24 kts 24+ kts
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.

How It Compares

Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Pixel.

Pixel 420 Blaze Force 5 Ilca 6 Laser Radial Ilca 7 Laser International
Dimensions
LOA 13.8 13.8 13.8 13.9 13.9 13.9
LWL — 13.2 — 13.2 12.5 12.5
Beam 5.5 5.4 4.9 4.8 4.5 4.5
Displacement 185 220 143 140 128 128
Sail Area 94 — 112 91 62 76
Performance
SA/Disp 46.4 — 65.6 54.0 39.1 47.9
Comfort 2.4 — — 2.0 2.1 2.1
Capsize — — 3.76 3.72 3.56 3.56
Hull Speed 4.6 — — 4.9 4.7 4.7