Home/ Boats/ Mcvay Fiberglass Yachts (Can)/ Bluenose
Sailboat Specifications

Bluenose

Fractional Sloop · Fin Keel

Designed by W. J. Roué · Built by Mcvay Fiberglass Yachts (Can) · First built 1946

+ Add to Compare
LOA 23.42 ft  ·  Beam 6.25 ft  ·  Displacement 2,050.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 218.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Fin Keel
About the Bluenose Sailboat

Named after the famous Nova Scotia schooner, this compact cruiser represents classic yacht design principles scaled down to a manageable size for smaller crews. Designed by W. J. Roué and first launched in 1946, the Bluenose demonstrates the enduring appeal of traditional proportions combined with practical sailing characteristics. At just over 23 feet, this fractional sloop offers an impressive balance between seaworthiness and trailer ability. The fin keel configuration provides good windward performance while maintaining reasonable draft for gunkholing in shallow waters. With a displacement of 2,050 pounds and 800 pounds of ballast, she carries enough weight to punch through chop while remaining responsive in light air. The 218 square feet of sail area delivers respectable performance for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. Her wood and fiberglass construction, built by McVay Fiberglass Yachts in Canada, reflects the transitional period when builders were adapting traditional designs to modern materials. With 180 hulls produced, the Bluenose developed a loyal following among sailors seeking a capable small cruiser with character. The comfort ratio of 15.12 indicates a relatively stiff, performance-oriented boat better suited for day sailing and coastal cruising rather than extended offshore passages. Her capsize screening value suggests good stability for her size class.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 23.42 ft / 7.14 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
Beam 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Max Draft 3.67 ft / 1.12 m
Displacement 2,050.00 lb / 930 kg
Ballast 800.00 lb / 363 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 218.00 ft² / 20.25 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood/FG
Designer W. J. Roué
Builder McVay Fiberglass Yachts (CAN)
First Built 1946
Number Built 180
Related Sailboats Pearson 24 · Ranger 23 · Moore 24 · Hunter 23 · Santana 23 K
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bluenose's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Bluenose has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.66. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Bluenose's comfort ratio?

The Bluenose has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.12. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Bluenose safe for offshore sailing?

The Bluenose has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.97. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Bluenose?

The theoretical hull speed of the Bluenose is 5.36 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Bluenose weigh?

The Bluenose has a displacement of 2,050.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.42 ft.

Who designed the Bluenose?

The Bluenose was designed by W. J. Roué, first built in 1946.