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Performance

Skimmer Performance

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

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The Skimmer 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.

4.1 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
23.2
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Displacement / Length
167
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Comfort Ratio
6.4
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Hull Speed
4.1kts
SA/Disp (Calculated)
24.0
Computed from measured I/J/P/E rather than reported sail area.
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
6.4
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° 1.9 2.4 2.7 2.8
Close Reach60° 2.3 2.9 3.3 3.4
Beam Reach90° 2.8 3.6 4.0 4.3
Broad Reach120–135° 2.6 3.3 3.7 4.0
Run150–180° 2.1 2.7 3.0 3.1
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (4.1 kts), SA/D (23.2), 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 Skimmer — 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 Skimmer.

Skimmer Classic Moth Dyer Dink Heron Mirror Dinghy Int Penguin
Dimensions
LOA 10.9 11.0 10.0 11.3 10.8 11.4
Beam 4.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.7
Displacement 300 75 135 140 135 140
Sail Area 65 72 66 70 69 —
Performance
SA/Disp 23.2 64.8 — 41.6 — —
Comfort 6.4 — 3.1 2.9 2.8 2.7
Capsize — 4.74 — — — —
Hull Speed 4.1 — 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.2