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Varne 850
Designer: Duncan Stuart  ·  Builder: Varne Marine Ltd. / Weston Boats (Uk)  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Varne 850

Originating from the United Kingdom, the Varne 850 is a modest cruising sailboat that appeals to sailors looking for an accessible and manageable vessel for coastal and inland waters. Built with practicality in mind, it reflects the tradition of compact British production boats designed to offer straightforward sailing without demanding a large crew or significant technical expertise. With limited detailed specifications widely available, the Varne 850 remains something of a quiet presence in the used boat market, which can make researching it a challenge. However, its size suggests it is best suited to day sailing and short coastal passages rather than extended offshore voyaging. Boats of this type typically reward their owners with easy handling, low running costs, and the ability to explore sheltered anchorages and estuary cruising grounds. For a prospective buyer, the Varne 850 represents an entry point into keelboat sailing where simplicity and affordability take priority. Those considering one would be wise to arrange a thorough survey, given the limited documentation available, and to connect with owner communities who may offer the most reliable insights into its performance and quirks.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.75 ft / 8.46 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
Beam 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
Max Draft 4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Displacement 6,200.00 lb / 2,812 kg
Ballast 2,595.00 lb / 1,177 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Duncan Stuart
Builder Varne Marine Ltd. / Weston Boats (UK)
First Built 1979
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
41.85
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
298.87
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. 4.05 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 15.88
P (Mainsail Luff) 334.00 ft² / 31.03 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Farymann
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 12
How It Compares

vs. Achilles 840, Contessa 28, Etap 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Varne 850 ★
27.8 ft
Achilles 840
27.8 ft
Contessa 28
27.7 ft
Etap 28
27.6 ft
LWL
Varne 850 ★
21.0 ft
Achilles 840
24.3 ft
Contessa 28
22.0 ft
Etap 28
22.7 ft
Beam
Varne 850 ★
9.0 ft
Achilles 840
9.0 ft
Contessa 28
9.4 ft
Etap 28
10.0 ft
Displacement
Varne 850 ★
6 lbs
Achilles 840
5 lbs
Contessa 28
6 lbs
Etap 28
6 lbs
Ballast
Varne 850 ★
2 lbs
Achilles 840
2 lbs
Contessa 28
2 lbs
Etap 28
2 lbs
Sail Area
Varne 850 ★
Achilles 840
354 sq ft
Contessa 28
Etap 28
319 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Varne 850 ★
Achilles 840
Contessa 28
171 s/nm
Etap 28
222 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Varne 850 ★
Achilles 840
18.2
Contessa 28
Etap 28
14.5
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Varne 850 ★
41.9 %
Achilles 840
45.6 %
Contessa 28
40.2 %
Etap 28
38.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Varne 850 ★
Achilles 840
18.0
Contessa 28
Etap 28
19.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Varne 850 ★
Achilles 840
2.04
Contessa 28
Etap 28
2.13
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Varne 850 ★
298
Achilles 840
172
Contessa 28
292
Etap 28
253
Hull Speed
Varne 850 ★
Achilles 840
6.6 kts
Contessa 28
Etap 28
6.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Varne 850 ★
Achilles 840
3.2
Contessa 28
Etap 28
1.9
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