The Targa 96 is modestly canvassed and unhurried.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.8 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 25.6′, the Targa 96 tops out around 6.8 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √25.6′ LWL = 6.8 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
7.9
Modestly canvassed — a comfortable, unhurried cruiser.
Ballast / Displacement
39.0%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
241
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
6.8kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Targa 96 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Cal 31
Ericson 32
Oday 32
Fuji 32
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° | 2.1 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 3.1 |
| Close Reach60° | 2.5 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.7 |
| Beam Reach90° | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 2.9 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Run150–180° | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 3.4 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (6.8 kts),
SA/D (7.9), 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 Targa 96 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–8 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
8–22 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
22–30 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
30+ 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 Targa 96.
| Targa 96 | Cal 31 | Columbia 96 | Ericson 32 | Fuji 32 | Oday 32 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.6 | 31.5 | 31.6 |
| LWL | 25.6 | 25.7 | 23.8 | 24.0 | 24.8 | 27.3 |
| Beam | 9.9 | 10.0 | 10.2 | 9.7 | 9.8 | 10.5 |
| Displacement | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 13 | 11 |
| Ballast | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Sail Area | — | 490 | 457 | 452 | 471 | 470 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 156 | — | 192 | 246 | 198 |
| SA/Disp | 7.9 | 18.0 | 15.6 | 17.0 | 13.6 | 15.3 |
| Bal/Disp | 39.0 | 39.3 | 44.1 | 45.5 | 35.3 | — |
| Comfort | — | 24.1 | 27.5 | 25.2 | 36.1 | 26.0 |
| Capsize | — | 1.91 | 1.88 | 1.88 | 1.67 | 1.89 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.8 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 7.0 |