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Soling
Designer: Jan Linge  ·  First built: 1966
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About the Soling

Designed as a high-performance one-design keelboat, the Soling earned its place in sailing history as one of the most celebrated Olympic-class vessels ever produced. Introduced to the Olympic program in 1972, it remained a fixture at the Games for three decades, cementing a reputation for demanding precise, tactical sailing and rewarding crews who mastered its nuances. Built for three-person crews, the Soling strikes a balance between responsiveness and stability that makes it an exceptional platform for competitive racing. Its sleek hull and powerful rig deliver a lively, engaging sailing experience, particularly in medium to fresh winds where the boat truly comes alive. The one-design class format means racing remains intensely competitive and skill-focused, rather than equipment-dependent. While primarily a racing boat, the Soling's sturdy construction and well-mannered handling also make it suitable for enthusiastic day sailing in sheltered coastal waters. For buyers drawn to a vessel with genuine Olympic pedigree and a thriving class community, the Soling represents a compelling choice — one that offers both historical prestige and a genuinely rewarding time on the water.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.75 ft / 8.15 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.25 ft / 6.17 m
Beam 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Max Draft 4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Displacement 2,277.00 lb / 1,033 kg
Ballast 1,279.00 lb / 580 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 251.00 ft² / 23.32 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jan Linge
First Built 1966
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 156
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
 23.26
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
 13.79
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
 1.9
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. 6.03
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
 4.74
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. 452.22
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 24.6
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.9
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.5
SA Fore 104.55
SA Main 146.48
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