Designed by Seymour Paul and built by W.D. Schock Corporation from 1969 to 1976, this compact fractional sloop became a popular choice for sailors seeking an affordable entry into keelboat sailing. With 879 hulls produced during its seven-year production run, the Santana 21 established itself as a versatile small boat suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors. The boat's swing keel design offers significant advantages for shallow water exploration and trailering convenience. When retracted, the keel allows access to beaches and shallow anchorages typically off-limits to fixed-keel boats of similar size. At 1,700 pounds displacement with 550 pounds of ballast, the boat strikes a reasonable balance between stability and performance for its size class. The fiberglass construction and straightforward fractional sloop rig make this an excellent platform for learning sailboat handling and maintenance. With 189 square feet of sail area driving a 19.33-foot waterline, the boat offers respectable performance for day sailing and weekend coastal cruising. The outboard rudder configuration provides good steering control and simplified construction. Best suited for protected waters, lakes, and near-coastal sailing, the Santana 21 appeals to sailors wanting keelboat stability without the complexity and cost of larger vessels.
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vs. American 21, Aquarius 21, Morgan 22, Newport 212, South Coast 21