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Sailaway
Designer: Pearson Brothers  ·  Builder: Pearson Brothers (Uk)  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Sailaway

Designed and built by the Pearson Brothers in the UK starting in 1970, this compact dinghy represents classic British small boat craftsmanship from the era when fiberglass construction was revolutionizing accessible sailing. At just over 11 feet in length with a fractional sloop rig carrying 72 square feet of sail, the Sailaway delivers spirited performance in a highly manageable package. The dinghy's shallow 1.33-foot draft and lightweight 130-pound displacement make it ideal for car-topping, beach launching, and exploring shallow waters where larger boats cannot venture. Its modest beam of 6 feet strikes a practical balance between stability and trailering convenience, while the centerboard configuration allows for flexible sailing in varying depths. With a comfort ratio of 1.7 and capsize screening formula of 4.74, this boat is clearly intended for protected waters, day sailing, and skill development rather than extended cruising. The high sail area to displacement ratio of 44.91 suggests lively performance in light to moderate conditions, making it well-suited for recreational sailing, sailing instruction, or as a tender for larger vessels. The Sailaway's compact dimensions and proven fiberglass construction offer durability and ease of maintenance for sailors seeking an uncomplicated introduction to the sport.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 11.08 ft / 3.38 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 10.75 ft / 3.28 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 1.33 ft / 0.41 m
Min Draft 0.33 ft / 0.10 m
Displacement 130.00 lb / 59 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 72.00 ft² / 6.69 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Pearson Brothers
Builder Pearson Brothers (UK)
First Built 1970
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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
44.91
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
46.72
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
1.7
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
4.74
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. 4.39 kn
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. 230.47 pounds/inch
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