Sailboat performance research and guides
Original analysis of sailboat design, predicted speed, and practical model comparisons.
26.10.2024
Introducing Our Sailboat Performance Rating System
Discover how SailboatPerformance.com uses machine learning to rate sailboat performance based on analysis of over 15,000 sailboats.
03.02.2024
Comparing Modern Compact Performance Cruisers: Flaar 24, First 24 SE, and Saffier 24 Se Lite
Compare Flaar 24, First 24 SE, and Saffier 24 Se Lite, highlighting their design, performance, and comfort for modern sailors seeking agile pocket cruisers.
19.01.2024
Sailing Boat Premieres at the Boot 2024 Fair in Düsseldorf
New sailboats premiering at the Boot 2024 fair in Düsseldorf and their detailed performance metrics.
27.10.2023
Trends in Performance Sailboat Construction
Exploring the evolving trends in sailboat construction over the decades.
03.10.2023
Unveiling Speed: An Analysis of ORC Certified Sailboats
Unveiling Speed: An analysis of ORC-certified sailboats and the key parameters that influence performance.
Performance metric guides
Hull speed explainedHull speed is a useful waterline-length benchmark for displacement boats—not a hard speed limit.Sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D)SA/D is a dimensionless indicator of sail power relative to the weight the rig must drive.Capsize screening formulaThe capsize screening value is a coarse comparison of beam and displacement, originally intended as a screening tool.Velocity made good (VMG)VMG is the component of boat speed that moves the boat directly toward or away from the wind.GPH sailing ratings explainedGPH expresses a generalized time allowance in seconds per nautical mile under a defined rating system.How to read a sailboat polar diagramA polar diagram maps expected boat speed by true-wind angle across several wind strengths.