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S2 70
Designer: Arthur Edmunds  ·  Builder: S2 Yachts  ·  First built: 1975
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About the S2 70

Launched in 1975 by S2 Yachts, this 23-footer represents an interesting chapter in the builder's evolution during the mid-1970s boom in affordable sailing. Designer Arthur Edmunds created a compact cruiser that balances performance with practical accommodations, evident in the boat's moderate displacement of 3,800 pounds and healthy sail area of 244 square feet. The S2 70's masthead sloop rig and 4.67-foot draft make it well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, while the fiberglass construction ensures durability and relatively low maintenance. With a comfort ratio of 18.65, this boat leans toward the performance end of the spectrum rather than heavy cruising, suggesting spirited sailing characteristics that should appeal to sailors who enjoy an active helm. The combination of an 18.33-foot waterline and moderate beam creates a hull form that should track well and maintain reasonable stability. A capsize screening formula of 2.05 indicates decent seaworthiness for coastal waters, though this boat would be better suited for protected bays and near-shore sailing rather than extended offshore passages. With only 140 units built during its production run, the S2 70 remains a relatively uncommon sight, making it an interesting choice for sailors seeking something distinctive in the competitive 23-foot market segment.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.33 ft / 5.59 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Min Draft 2.16 ft / 0.66 m
Displacement 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Ballast 1,300.00 lb / 590 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 244.00 ft² / 22.67 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Arthur Edmunds
Builder S2 Yachts
First Built 1975
Number Built 140
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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
 16.08
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
 34.21
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
 275.45
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
 18.65
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
 2.05
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. 5.74 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
 1.86
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. 523.96 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. 16.07
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 29.00 ft / 8.84 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.20 ft / 3.11 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
SA Fore 147.90 ft² / 13.74 m²
SA Main 96.00 ft² / 8.92 m²
SA Total (100%) 243.90 ft² / 22.66 m²
Est. Forestay Length 30.74 ft / 9.37 m
Mast Height (DWL) 31.67 ft / 9.65 m
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