The Ss Class 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.
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 14.0′, the Ss Class tops out around 5.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √14.0′ LWL = 5.0 kts
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
22.9
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Displacement / Length
146
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
11.8
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
1.97
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Pounds/Inch Immersion
238lbs
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
11.8
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
Capsize Screening Formula
1.97
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
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° |
2.3 |
2.9 |
3.3 |
3.4 |
| Close Reach60° |
2.8 |
3.6 |
4.0 |
4.1 |
| Beam Reach90° |
3.5 |
4.4 |
4.9 |
5.3 |
| Broad Reach120–135° |
3.2 |
4.0 |
4.5 |
4.9 |
| Run150–180° |
2.6 |
3.2 |
3.6 |
3.8 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (5.0 kts),
SA/D (22.9), 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 Ss Class — 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 Ss Class.
|
Ss Class |
Daysailer |
O Jolle |
Olympic Monotype 1924 |
Town |
Wianno Junior |
| Dimensions |
| LOA |
16.5 |
16.8 |
16.4 |
16.4 |
16.5 |
16.5 |
| LWL |
14.0 |
15.5 |
— |
— |
13.4 |
13.0 |
| Beam |
4.8 |
6.3 |
5.5 |
6.6 |
5.8 |
6.0 |
| Displacement |
900 |
575 |
485 |
992 |
700 |
900 |
| Ballast |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
300 |
| Sail Area |
133 |
— |
— |
215 |
— |
150 |
| Performance |
| SA/Disp |
22.9 |
— |
— |
34.7 |
— |
25.8 |
| Bal/Disp |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
33.3 |
| Comfort |
11.8 |
— |
5.3 |
— |
— |
9.1 |
| Capsize |
1.97 |
— |
— |
2.63 |
— |
2.49 |
| Hull Speed |
5.0 |
— |
5.0 |
— |
— |
4.8 |