The Corsair 28 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 26.3′, the Corsair 28 tops out around 6.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √26.3′ LWL = 6.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
41.1
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Displacement / Length
66
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
6.9kts
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Corsair 28 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Farr 280
J/28
Pearson 28 2
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 3.2 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
| Close Reach60° | 3.9 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 5.8 |
| Beam Reach90° | 4.8 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.4 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 4.5 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.8 |
| Run150–180° | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (6.9 kts),
SA/D (41.1), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Corsair 28 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Corsair 28.
| Corsair 28 | Corsair 28Rs | Farr 280 | J/28 | North Beach 29 | Pearson 28 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 28.5 | 28.5 | 28.6 | 28.5 | 28.5 | 28.5 |
| LWL | 26.3 | 26.3 | 26.3 | 23.5 | 25.5 | 24.4 |
| Beam | 19.8 | 20.0 | 9.4 | 10.7 | 9.2 | 9.8 |
| Displacement | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 7 |
| Ballast | — | — | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Sail Area | 496 | 496 | 453 | 390 | 408 | 384 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 47 | 171 | — | 192 |
| SA/Disp | 41.1 | 39.1 | 31.0 | 19.6 | 15.9 | 16.8 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | 40.1 | 38.2 | — | 36.4 |
| Comfort | — | 3.1 | 10.3 | 24.6 | 25.6 | 20.1 |
| Capsize | — | 5.62 | 2.47 | 1.71 | 1.81 | 2.06 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.9 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 6.8 | 6.6 |