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Victory Cowes
Designer: A. Westmacott/S. Graham  ·  Builder: Nicholson  ·  First built: 1934
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About the Victory Cowes

Designed by A. Westmacott and S. Graham and built by the renowned Nicholson yard starting in 1934, this classic 20.75-foot sailboat represents traditional British yacht design at its finest. With only 80 hulls produced, the Victory Cowes has become a sought-after example of pre-war craftsmanship, featuring distinctive clinker-built wooden construction later complemented by fiberglass variants. The boat's long keel configuration and substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of 67% provide exceptional stability and seakindly motion in challenging conditions. Her fractional sloop rig delivers balanced sail handling, while the moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 23.86 suggests she's optimized for comfortable cruising rather than racing performance. The capsize screening formula of 2.04 indicates good ocean-going capabilities, though she's ideally suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. Notable characteristics include her traditional lines, robust construction, and forgiving sailing characteristics that make her appealing to both experienced sailors and those seeking a classic yacht with historical pedigree. The Victory Cowes offers that rare combination of vintage charm and practical seaworthiness that defines the golden age of British yacht design.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.75 ft / 6.32 m
Beam 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Displacement 1,500.00 lb / 680 kg
Ballast 1,000.00 lb / 454 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 195.00 ft² / 18.12 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood(clinker)/FG
Designer A. Westmacott/S. Graham
Builder Nicholson
First Built 1934
Number Built 80
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Performance Ratios
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
122.05
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
11.85
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. 5.63 kn
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. 2.2 pounds/inch
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