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S2 69
Designer: Don Wennersten/Graham & Schlageter  ·  Builder: S2 Yachts  ·  First built: 1983
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About the S2 69

Launched in 1983 by S2 Yachts, this 22-footer represents an intriguing blend of performance and versatility designed by the collaborative team of Don Wennersten with Graham & Schlageter. With 174 hulls produced during its three-year production run, the S2 69 carved out a distinctive niche in the small cruiser market through its most notable feature: a lifting keel configuration that opens up shallow-water possibilities typically off-limits to boats of this size. The fractional sloop rig and moderate displacement of 2,200 pounds create a responsive sailing platform well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The lifting keel reduces draft significantly when raised, making this boat particularly appealing for exploring thin waters, trailering, and accessing shallow anchorages. While the comfort ratio of 10.8 suggests a relatively quick motion in seas, the boat's compact 22-foot length and 8-foot beam provide adequate interior space for short-term cruising. Built with fiberglass construction during the mid-1980s, these boats benefit from S2's reputation for solid craftsmanship. The design emphasizes versatility over pure performance, making it an excellent choice for sailors seeking a capable small cruiser that can handle both protected waters and moderate coastal conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.75 ft / 5.72 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Min Draft 0.83 ft / 0.25 m
Displacement 2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast 770.00 lb / 349 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 228.00 ft² / 21.18 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Don Wennersten/Graham & Schlageter
Builder S2 Yachts
First Built 1983
Last Built 1986
Number Built 174
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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
 21.62
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.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 35
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
 148.99
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
 10.8
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
 2.46
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. 5.80 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
 4.01
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. 535.97 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. 21.61
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.80 ft / 2.38 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 25.30 ft / 7.71 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
SA Fore 101.40 ft² / 9.42 m²
SA Main 126.50 ft² / 11.75 m²
SA Total (100%) 227.90 ft² / 21.17 m²
Est. Forestay Length 27.14 ft / 8.27 m
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