ensign sailboat

A video, by Zeke Durica, discussing how to attach an Ensign Rub Rail has been added to the Boat Maintenance and Repairs section of the Library. The direct link is:  https://Rub Rail Installation Video .  The Fall 2024 edition of the ECA Newsletter has been published. You can find a copy in the Newsletter section of the website or by using this link:   ECA Newsletter V63 N3 Fall 2024 An essay written by Peter Kogut and  Jonathan Gorbold describing how to drain water from the keel of an Ensign for winter storage has been added to the library.  Use this link for direct access:  Ensign Keel Drain Plug . The Rules Committee Decisions page has been updated with two new decisions. See  Rules Committee Decisions . The dates of the 2025 Mid-Winter Regatta have been changed to March 28-30, 2025.  Seven Ensigns competed on Labor Day for Fleet 34’s ninth race of the season. With nice winds out of the North, the Niantic Bay Yacht Club (NBYC) Race Committee conducted two windward, leeward, finish races. Six boats out of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club (NBYC) were joined by Teamwork out of the Thames Yacht Club in New London CT. The full report is available at this link: Fleet 34 Report - Race 9 - NBYC- September 2, 2024

Fleet 34 has filed a report on their participation in the Mason's Island Regatta on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The report also contains year-to-date standings for the boats in Fleet 34.  The full report is available under Fleet Reports or by using this link: Fleet 34 Report - Mason's Island Regatta - August 24 2024 .

The 2024 Summer edition of the ECA Newsletter  has been posted to the Library section of the ECA website.  The report and results for the 2024 Region II/III Championship Regatta  have been posted to Regatta Results.   The 2023 ECA Yearbook has been posted to the website as both a FlipBook  and a static PDF.  You can also access the ECA Yearbook through the Library.  Bill Shea has provided us with 30 photos of Charlie Shoemaker. The album can be accessed here:  Charlie Shoemaker .  These photos are Copyright by Bill Shea and can be used only to commemorate the life of Charlie Shoemaker.   Charles Shoemaker, a three-time ECA National Champion and an inductee into the Ensign Hall of Fame, passed away on June 4, 2024.  Click here  for his obituary.  Fleet 34 has posted news of their Memorial Day sailing event. See under Fleet Reports or  click here. Long time sailor, Mike Frankovich who was a Barnegat Bay sailor, a member of Island Heights Yacht Club, an accomplished Ensign sailor and crewed for Greg Eiffert in several of his National Championship efforts, passed away on May 18, 2024.  Mike's  obituary can be found here :  8 Bells - Mike Francovich .

Click here for a drone video of the 2021 Region 1 Championship The 2020 ECA Yearbook has been published as a FlipBook. Click here, or go to the Library Two articles have been added to the Library. A product review of Removable Boarding Ladders and an article about Distance Race sponsored by Fleet 2 in Houston.

Registration is now open for the 2021 ECA National Championship Regatta. Click here for more information. The Winter 2021 issue of the ECA Newsletter has been posted to the Library. Click here for a PDF copy The 2021 ECA Midwinter Regatta on Lake Murray, HAS BEEN CANCELLED

New officers elected. New Rule passed. New Yearbook Editor. New opportunities for growth in the works.

Click here for highlights!

Ensign Class Association

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Welcome to the Ensign Class Association

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Pearson Yachts Portal

The Pearson Ensign : 1962 – Present

Originally called The Electra Day Sailer , the Ensign is a Carl Alberg design

Time-honored Reliability

The Ensign hull design by Carl Alberg is based on the Pearson Electra . He modified the design for the Ensign in response to customer demand for a day-sailer with a larger cockpit and smaller cabin. Pearson Yachts was the only builder of the boat from 1962-1983 with 1775 boats constructed before ceasing production. Production was resumed in 2001 by Ensign Spars, Inc. of Dunedin Florida, where reportedly another 33 boats, (hull #2000 and above), have been produced as of 2019.

Consider this: The Ensign is the only sailboat from Pearson Yachts that is still in production today — and Pearson has been closed for close to 3 decades. Now isn't that a true test of time!

The Ensign is by far the largest one-design fleet of full-keel sailboats in the country. It was inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 2002.

"Consider what has made the Ensign so popular… a large eight foot cockpit with full length teak seats so perfect for the safety and convenience of a large family; a twin-berth cuddy cabin with optional head for those overnights or weekends; national recognition as a one-design racing class; longevity of manufacturer; strict class rules for uniformity; Pearson Quality "! Pearson Yachts Inc.

More than 1700 ENSIGNS are sailing nationwide in a strong, active one-design association numbering 47 fleets in 20 states (1979). Rigid class rules insure continuity of design and manufacture thereby enhancing resale value. Her remarkable ability to race well while providing all the comfort and stability required of a good day-sailer or weekender has endeared here to hundreds of experts and novices everywhere.

Since the class was introduced in 1962, the ENSIGN has proven herself to be the ideal all-around family boat. Her ability, seaworthiness, and forgiving attitude have encouraged numerous people of all ages to "take to the water" for those precious leisure hours while providing those with a competitive spirit with a bonafide compromise between the thrill of racing and the lure of cruising.

Ask many of the experts now racing larger boats and they tell you it all started with the ENSIGN. Ask present ENSIGN owners, they tell you how difficult it is to find another boat that dollar for dollar represents the real value they presently enjoy.

If the ENSIGN will be your first boat, you can start with confidence — confidence in your boat and your investment. If it's your next boat you can rest assured that she will bring out the best of your experience.

Consider what has made the Ensign so popular… a large eight foot cockpit with full length teak seats so perfect for the safety and convenience of a large family; a twin-berth cuddy cabin with optional head for those overnights or weekends; national recognition as a one-design racing class; longevity of manufacturer; strict class rules for uniformity; Pearson Quality!

Pearson Yachts Inc. 1979

Ensign … one design sensation

Pearson Yachts 1961

Pearson Ensign – by the Numbers

Hover on hyperlink for definitions

• Construction Detail

Rev 9 - 26-Feb-1992

Standard Equipment

CONSTRUCTION: Hull and deck are integrally molded fiberglass laminate construction (hand lay-up) with bonded bulkheads. Deck is balsa-core fiberglass for strength, rigidity, and insulation. Teak coamings with winch mount areas. Teak seats and cockpit sole.

HARDWARE AND DECK FITTINGS: Chromeplated brass or bronze, stainless steel and special marine alloys. Stainless steel stemhead fittings, backstay and shroud chainplates. Bow cleats with chocks (P &S), stern cleats (P &S). Two fixed ports.

SPARS: MAST: Anodized aluminum 6061-T6 alloy with aluminum spreaders. Rigging fittings of stainless steel and aluminum alloy. Cleats for main, jib and downhaul. Gooseneck track, sail track and gate.

BOOM: Anodized aluminum 6061-T6 alloy with standard gooseneck, slide, topping lift fitting and mainsheet blocks.

STANDING RIGGING: Seven/eighths foretriangle rig (fractional). Stainless steel 1 x 19 construction with swaged tru-loc end fittings. Turnbuckles on all shrouds and stays. Toggles on headstay and shrouds.

RUNNING RIGGING: Main and jib halyards of 7 x 19 stainless steel wire with Dacron tails (spliced). Dacron jib and main sheets. Jib sheet lead blocks and cleats. Main sheet blocks and cleats.

INTERIOR: Provision for two full-length bunks in cuddy cabin.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT: All standing rigging and spars are grounded for lightning protection. Non-skid deck and cabin top.

Pearson Yachts Inc. 1962

Ensign Class Association

The Ensign Class Association was founded in 1962. It is one of the strongest national organizations in the country, with numerous local fleets from coast to coast.

The objectives of the assocation:

• To promote and develop Ensign Class racing under uniform rules.
• To rigidly maintain the one-design features of the Ensign.
• To promote use of the Ensign as a family boat for recreational sailing.
• To educate the public, and particularly the youth, in sailing and sailboat racing.

Features described by the association:

• It's a great looking boat, with classic lines, and a wonderfully large, deep cockpit where passengers feel comfortable, safe, and secure.
• It has a sail plan that achieves hull speed in breezes as low as eight to ten knots, and a full keel that delivers performance when the boat is sailed flat, and forgiveness when allowed to heel.
• It is a strong, durable boat, affordable to buy and easy to sell.
• There are not many designs that get everything so right
• For these reasons, the Ensign, on January 25th, 2002, was the first boat inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.

Ensign Resources

• Pearson Ensign One-Page Flyer
• Ensign Drawing
• Line Drawing
• Ensign Specifications
• Factory Installed Equipment
• Factory Options

Ensign On The Web

• Class Association - Ensign Class
• Ship's Store - Ensign Class
• Ensign Classic - EnsignSpars.com
• The Pearson Ensign - MainBoats.com Fleet 67
• Ensign Fleet 72 - SailSaratoga.org
• Pearson Ensign - Wikipedia.com
• Restoration of #1484 - Eraser
• Invictus #748 - Ensign Class Story
• The Other Woman - Ensign Class Story
• Ensign Specs - SailBoatData.com
• Pearson Info - dan.pfeiffer.net
• American Sailboat Hall of Fame - Archive.org

Pearson Ensign Brochures

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• Sailboat Guide

Pearson Ensign

Pearson Ensign is a 22 ′ 6 ″ / 6.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Carl Alberg and built by Pearson Yachts between 1962 and 1982.

• 1 / 8 Berkeley Township, NJ, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $3,800 USD View
• 2 / 8 Berkeley Township, NJ, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $3,800 USD View
• 3 / 8 New Bern, NC, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $5,000 USD View
• 4 / 8 Berkeley Township, NJ, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $3,800 USD View
• 5 / 8 New Bern, NC, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $5,000 USD View
• 6 / 8 Berkeley Township, NJ, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $3,800 USD View
• 7 / 8 New Bern, NC, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $5,000 USD View
• 8 / 8 New Bern, NC, US 1965 Pearson Ensign $5,000 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

In 1959 Carl Alberg was commissioned by Pearson Yachts to design a 22-foot cruiser suitable for racing in the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC). This was the ELECTRA, which had a masthead rig, a small, self-bailing cockpit, and a cabin with galley space, head and bunks. About 350 ELECTRAS were built over the next six years.

Pearson dealers surmised that prospective Electra buyers might prefer the boat with a larger cockpit and smaller cabin. They passed the information along to Pearson, who subsequently asked Alberg to design a day sailor, suitable for one-design racing, based on the ELECTRA hull.

Other changes made included moving the mast six inches s forward, increasing the area of the mainsail, and reducing the height of the fore triangle.

The ELECTRA DAY SAILOR, as it was first called, was an instant success: 219 were sold in the first year (1962). At this time, the first class racing was organized (Fleet #l, out of Larchmont, New York).

The next year saw 213 more boats built and nine more fleets formed - in Houston, Texas; Hingham, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; Huntington and Port Washington, New York, Miami, Florida; Gibson Island, Maryland; and Falmouth, Maine. The last known builder (2003) was Ensign Spars Inc. of Dunedin, FL (USA).

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Ensign Class Association

Class contact information.

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Class Email

Class Website

One-Design Class Type: Keelboat

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Adult

Approximately how many class members do you have? 500

Photo Credit:Spectrum Photo/Gran Grenon

Photo Credit: Chris Kogut

Photo Credit: Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon

About Ensign Class Association

The Ensign is the largest class of full keel sailboats in North America, with over 2000 boats manufactured since 1962. Designed by Carl Alberg, its sustained popularity is due to very solid and durable construction, and a design that lends itself equally and admirably to comfortable family cruising, enjoyable day sailing, and close, strategic, tactical racing. The Ensign Class is one of the strongest national organizations, with numerous local fleets from coast to coast.

As a family day sailor, the Ensign has a large, deep cockpit, with enough room to comfortably seat six to eight adults. Its full keel provides a secure, stable ride, and its three foot draft makes it perfect for the shallower waters of bays and lakes and for anchoring fairly close to a protected shore. The cabin space is more than adequate for keeping lots of gear dry and can shelter two in a storm.

As a day sailor, the Ensign is a really enjoyable performer. The helm has a nice feel on all points of sail, and the boat has a versatile head sail inventory, including a working jib, a blade, #2 and #1 genoas, and a spinnaker. Single-handing is easy and exhilarating with the main and blade combination, especially if one includes the optional cabin top winches. For even easier head sail handling, it can be equipped with a roller furler.

The Ensign is 22 and 1/2 feet long, weighs about 3,000 pounds, and is best raced with a crew of four. Favored by former dinghy sailors and cruisers alike, it has no life lines and therefore many dinghy techniques (hiking, roll tacking, etc) can be used effectively. Racing is very close, strategic and tactical, with older boats performing just as well as the newer ones. This year’s national champion was built in 1964, and last year’s champion was built in 1966… testimony to the solid construction and durable design of the boat. The Ensign Class Association promotes and develops one design racing under uniform class rules, and rigidly maintains the one design features of the Ensign. New Ensigns continue to be manufactured by Ensign Spars, Inc., in Marquette, Michigan, using the original molds purchased from Pearson Yachts.

Boats Produced: 2000

Class boat builder(s):

http://ensignspars.com/

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 2000

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Coastal waters from New England to Mid Atlantic states Gulf Coast Great Lakes Inland Lakes throughout the US

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  3 to 4 for racing. 2 for cruising.

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  not established

Portsmouth Yardstick Rating:   95.70

Boat Designed in  1962

Length (feet/inches): 22’6″

Beam: 7′

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 2800-3000 lbs

Draft: 3′

Mast Height: 32′

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Pearson Ensign a good first boat (given context in the post)?

• Thread starter Anchored87
• Start date Aug 1, 2023
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors
• We expect the boat to be moored;
• We will sail her in the bay primarily on day sails;
• I will slum an overnight in the cockpit every now and then for some adventure;
• We have a very young son who we’d want to take on our day sails (and maybe the dog too)
• We live ~1.5 hrs from the marina and, in season, go out very often, sometimes for weeks at a time (have a house out there). However, on the edges of the season we go out less, let’s say every 3 weeks / 1x per month
• Overall looking for something that’s fairly sturdy, reliable and can host friends when needed
• On longer day sails in the heat, would a little one be ok with a makeshift tent or should I be looking for a different boawith a cabin?
• In the start/end of the seasons, assuming I have a boom tent and automatic bilge pump, is visiting the boat 1x/month asking for trouble given it’s not a self bailing cockpit?

Regarding heat… yYou can always check the wind forecast, and if you have a decent breeze over the evening the wind scoop on the bow can usually generate enough wind inside the cabin to keep everyone cool  

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

Anchored87 said: We have a very young son who we’d want to take on our day sails (and maybe the dog too) We live ~1.5 hrs from the marina and, in season, go out very often, sometimes for weeks at a time (have a house out there). However, on the edges of the season we go out less, let’s say every 3 weeks / 1x per month Overall looking for something that’s fairly sturdy, reliable and can host friends when needed Click to expand

For the use and service you need, better find a well maintained later model Catalina 25, or something similar. A Cal 25-2 would be really good, too,  

The Ensign sails surprisingly well. It is forgiving - a sailing school on Block Island used them as trainers. But they didn't stay overnight on them. They have a large cockpit suitable for guests. But a kid, dog and two people is maxed out. I'm someone of the age that thinks Motel 6 is about as adventurous as I want to get. The one I crewed on for one design racing was on a mooring. We had to bail it every week. It has a deep bilge that can hold a lot of rain water but to leave it for weeks you'll need a boom tent. Most boats that rely on an electric bilge pump to remove rain water do well until the pump kills the battery and then they swamp. Is there someone who can keep an eye on it?  

Anchored87 said: Currently researching some possible options for my first boat, one of which is the Pearson Ensign. I’ve got my eye on one from a local seller and it seems to check all the boxes but there are a few items that are causing me to hesitate. Here is our situation for context: We expect the boat to be moored; We will sail her in the bay primarily on day sails; I will slum an overnight in the cockpit every now and then for some adventure; We have a very young son who we’d want to take on our day sails (and maybe the dog too) We live ~1.5 hrs from the marina and, in season, go out very often, sometimes for weeks at a time (have a house out there). However, on the edges of the season we go out less, let’s say every 3 weeks / 1x per month Overall looking for something that’s fairly sturdy, reliable and can host friends when needed Hoping to get some feedback from other owners in the following areas (or overall if there’s something I missed): On longer day sails in the heat, would a little one be ok with a makeshift tent or should I be looking for a different boawith a cabin? In the start/end of the seasons, assuming I have a boom tent and automatic bilge pump, is visiting the boat 1x/month asking for trouble given it’s not a self bailing cockpit? Thanks so much in advance. Click to expand

Rick486 said: I owned two Ensigns over time and really enjoyed them. The first one was my introduction to sailing, and I learned how to sail aboard her. Both of mine were used for fleet racing. It was great fun. I sailed them out of Newport. So here are a few points: 1. It is important to remember that this design is not self bailing. They can swamp but in all the years I sailed the Ensign, including heavy weather, I never saw one swamp. They come from the factory with positive flotation in the bow and stern. When you start looking at boats, be sure to check on the flotation. Since most of these boats are quite old it is especially important. Some guys remove the flotation (illegally in Ensign by laws for racing) but the flotation can retain water if the lockers leak, and be quite heavy. You can see the difference in the design water line. 2. The Ensign is really sweet sailing boat. They have a fractional rig so that for general fun day sailing you can carry a smaller jib and they will sail really well to windward rigged like that. 3. My boats were kept on moorings so they did retain rain water. I tried the battery and bilge pump approach but found it to be more trouble than it was worth. My approach was to have one crew bail the bilge out while the rest of us rigged the boat to sail. It really never became a big problem. The boom tent works well but if the boat is on a mooring boarding from the launch was just too much trouble so I never went that route. If you keep her at a dock, the boom tent is worth a look in my view. 4. I carried a 2 horse outboard which stowed in the cuddy cabin but I rarely used it other than getting back to the mooring after evening racing when the wind dropped. 5. The boat sails well in all winds and is quite stiff, once I learned how to trim the main and jib in a breeze. 6. The boat is quite heavy and has a keel stepped mast so trailering is out of the question other than stowage. I had trailers for both of my Ensigns and would haul and launch them using the yacht club lift. 7. These boats are ruggedly built, most of them during the heydays of Pearson Yachts. 8. Resale has always been easy if you buy in an area where there are fleets. I have been out of Ensigns for many years so I don't know whether there is still a national and local fleets. This is also worth a look. 9. After owning the Ensigns I went on to a Pearson 30, and then a Pearson 39 yawl. All rugged, well built, good sailing designs. Finally, I will reemphasize what a great boat the Ensign is and how much enjoyment I had with two over a period of about 10 years. Good luck in your search. Rick Click to expand

Anchored87 said: Currently researching some possible options for my first boat, ... Click to expand

• Do you want the boat to be trailerable or will you keep it at a boat yard?
• How often will you sleep out on the boat? How many people do you hope to house on the boat?
• Do you plan to do much coastal cruising and if so, will you cook and eat on the boat? Or mostly go ashore for provisions?
• How comfortable is your crew using a port-a-potty or will you need an enclosed head?
• Is standing headroom a necessity?

rgranger said: Revisiting this idea... and following up on what @jssailem said... I think we could be more helpful if we had a clearer idea of what you want the boat to do and how you plan to use it.. some questions might include Do you want the boat to be trailerable or will you keep it at a boat yard? How often will you sleep out on the boat? How many people do you hope to house on the boat? Do you plan to do much coastal cruising and if so, will you cook and eat on the boat? Or mostly go ashore for provisions? How comfortable is your crew using a port-a-potty or will you need an enclosed head? Is standing headroom a necessity? Click to expand

• I'd like it to be trailerable to store in a driveway during the winter but plan to keep it moored in-season (~1.5 hr drive from our permenant residence but close to a summer home). I don't see us towing the boat on small vacations right now.
• Not often and probably just me or maybe me and 1 other if we go with the Ensign. If we go with a boat with more berths I can see us doing a few weekend / overnight trips per season.
• No, not with this boat. This first boat is more of an educational experience to learn on and get the family used to sailing. If we want to graduate to cruising I'd expect to upgrade to a vessel with real berths.
• Probably not comfortable but I don't think we'll be cruising much. This will be day sailing where we will take the boat out to just sail for a while, drop an anchor to swim, or sail over to a restaurant / destination (or all three).
• Probably not for this first boat but if we do want to cruise I expect standing room to be necessary.
• Adding a number 6: I'd like to be able to solo the boat on the days where my wife doesn't want to sail or is busy.

Small Sailboat Sizes: A Complete Guide | Life of Sailing

All of these boat in a size less than 30ft are easy to sail solo. With skill you can likely solo sail a boat into the 36ft range. The issue I see in bigger boats is the weight of the sails and the hardware needed to manage them.  

I trailered and sailed the Montgomery 15 for 18 years. Terrific boat, very easy to solo sail a bit small for your use. I would look to the Rhodes, Hunter, or Catalina 22's as a great first boat option, for the conditions you have identified.  

Scott T-Bird

Unless you really want to shop for options, the Ensign that is yours to be had sounds like an excellent choice, assuming that it is in good condition. Based on your situation, it sounds like a solid daysailer is a good choice. You & family will learn everything you need to know about sailing. The comforts of a pocket cruiser don't seem to be needed. When you're hooked on sailing as a lifestyle, then you will be ready to look for something different. It is difficult and an adjustment to leave the comfort and easy lifestyle of a readily accessible summer/vacation home in contrast to a cruising sailboat. Your family may not be agreeable until they are hooked on a sailing lifestyle. I've found that you can't really do both, unless your life is entirely leisure and money affords!  

Anchored87 said: Thanks for the detailed response, Rick. Would I be asking for trouble leaving it alone with a boom tent for a month at a time? As someone else suggested, maybe I can get someone to look after her for me, but probably at a cost. Click to expand

rgranger said: Good info... So you mentioned swimming off of your boat... and solo sailing...so here are two more questions to help you narrow the field. 1) How important is swimming off the back? A boat that is easy to get into and out of might be the deciding factor 2) How important is the ease of the rig? Some of the cat rigged boats are supper simple to operate. You basically have only the mainsheet (and sometimes a traveler) to deal with. Answer those two questions and you might start to narrow the field... So I'd add to your list of boats to investigate... Compac 16 View attachment 218408 Compac sun cat... View attachment 218416 This one is a cat boat w/easy sail controls. Montgomery 15 View attachment 218409 ... also a cat boat with easy sail controls Montgomery 17... View attachment 218415 Hunter 23.5 View attachment 218410 ... water ballast so very easy to tow. Cut out transom so easy to swim off of. Hunter 22... View attachment 218413 ... also has a cut out transom so easy to swim off of. Catalina 22 sport... View attachment 218411 ... a traditional pocket cruiser... still in production. My Favorite... The Rhodes 22... View attachment 218412 ... a very large 22' boat. West Wright Potter 19... View attachment 218414 ... tried and tested pocket cruiser. You might also find this article interesting. Small Sailboat Sizes: A Complete Guide | Life of Sailing There are plenty of small sailboat sizes to accommodate any sailing experience. But what kinds of small sailboats are there? www.lifeofsailing.com Click to expand

• Very. I expect the majority of the summer sail's (with the family) to include a swim in the bay. Was thinking of getting a ladder that could go over the side of the ensign? Or would you recommend getting a boat specifically designed with an open transom / ladder? I looked at a Hunter 240 yesterday, which has a built in ladder on the transom, and really liked it but wasn't ready to pull the trigger. I took her for a test sail and she seemed much lighter compared to the ensign. It was a light day and we even had trouble swinging her bow through the wind on a tack (just the mainsail was used). So I was hesitant in that regard as well;
• I'd say it's important-ish. The ensign had an easy enough rig for me to handle (albeit, actively) with the main and jib I think.

Scott T-Bird said: Unless you really want to shop for options, the Ensign that is yours to be had sounds like an excellent choice, assuming that it is in good condition. Based on your situation, it sounds like a solid daysailer is a good choice. You & family will learn everything you need to know about sailing. The comforts of a pocket cruiser don't seem to be needed. When you're hooked on sailing as a lifestyle, then you will be ready to look for something different. It is difficult and an adjustment to leave the comfort and easy lifestyle of a readily accessible summer/vacation home in contrast to a cruising sailboat. Your family may not be agreeable until they are hooked on a sailing lifestyle. I've found that you can't really do both, unless your life is entirely leisure and money affords! Click to expand

rgranger said: I agree with @Scott T-Bird about the Ensign fulfilling your current sailing goals... but without a self bailing cockpit, I don't think it is a good choice to keep on a morring. Click to expand

Anchored87 said: Thanks for the list and the questions: Very. I expect the majority of the summer sail's (with the family) to include a swim in the bay. Was thinking of getting a ladder that could go over the side of the ensign? Or would you recommend getting a boat specifically designed with an open transom / ladder? I looked at a Hunter 240 yesterday, which has a built in ladder on the transom, and really liked it but wasn't ready to pull the trigger. I took her for a test sail and she seemed much lighter compared to the ensign. It was a light day and we even had trouble swinging her bow through the wind on a tack (just the mainsail was used). So I was hesitant in that regard as well; I'd say it's important-ish. The ensign had an easy enough rig for me to handle (albeit, actively) with the main and jib I think. I'll look at some of the other boats you've mentioned but I think the Catalina 22 and the Hunter 240 are strong contenders if I'm not going to take the ensign. As @Scott T-Bird mentioned, the ensign is readily available right now so I'm trying to determine if these things are worth a full search or if the ensign will fit for these purposes (with some compromises). I don't expect this first boat to be a forever boat. Perhaps 5 years or less. I'm aiming to learn, get the family used to sailing, and figuring out what we actually want/need. Click to expand

Anchored87 said: Does that mean you are recommending a slip or using a lift for every sail? Unfortunately I don't think I have access to a slip (all have waiting lists). Click to expand

rgranger said: I'm saying that you need to figure out how to remove water from your boat if you are going to leave it on a mooring ball. Click to expand

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Sail1Design

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November 30, 1999 by Sail1Design Editor 1 Comment

Four Regional Championships, a Midwinter Championship and a National Championship Regatta are held each year.

The Ensign is 22 and 1/2 feet long, weighs about 3,000 pounds, has a draft of 3 feet and is best raced with a crew of four. It is favored by former dinghy sailors and cruisers alike. It has no life lines and therefore can be sailed with many dingy tactics such as hiking and roll tacking. It is a comfortable day sailer with a large cockpit. Besides a main and working jib it can have an inventory of a #1 and # 2 Genoa, a blade and spinnaker. For cruisers it can be equipped with a roller furling genoa.

The Objective of the Ensign Class Association is to promote and develop Ensign Class racing under uniform rules and to rigidly maintain the One-Design features of the Ensign.   It also promotes the Ensign as a family boat for recreational sailing.

Class website: http://www.ensignclass.com/

Reader Interactions

July 27, 2022 at 21:02

Can you please tell me the meaning of the Ensign flag. What the E and the 5 red stars represent. Also thank you for putting Jack Patterson on the stories page. I am Jacks youngest daughter.

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