Designed by legendary naval architect Olin Stephens in 1934, this classic wooden sloop represents an early example of his innovative approach to yacht design. Built by the prestigious George Lawley yard, only 21 of these distinctive boats were ever constructed, making them highly sought-after collectors' items today. With its traditional wood construction and fractional sloop rig, the Dark Harbor 20 embodies the elegance of pre-war yacht design while incorporating Stephens' progressive ideas about hull form and balance. The fin keel configuration was relatively advanced for its era, providing good windward performance while maintaining the classic aesthetics expected from a Lawley-built yacht. The boat's moderate displacement and well-balanced sail plan make it ideally suited for coastal cruising and club racing in protected waters. Its comfort ratio suggests a relatively stiff, responsive boat that won't pound excessively in chop, while the capsize screening number indicates good stability characteristics typical of Stephens' designs. For sailors seeking a piece of yachting history, the Dark Harbor 20 offers the rare combination of Olin Stephens pedigree and Lawley craftsmanship. These boats appeal most to traditionalists who appreciate classic wooden yacht construction and the sailing characteristics that made Stephens' designs legendary in racing circles.
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What is the Dark Harbor 20's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Dark Harbor 20 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.09. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Dark Harbor 20's comfort ratio?
The Dark Harbor 20 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Dark Harbor 20 safe for offshore sailing?
The Dark Harbor 20 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.55. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Dark Harbor 20?
The theoretical hull speed of the Dark Harbor 20 is 5.99 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Dark Harbor 20 weigh?
The Dark Harbor 20 has a displacement of 5,200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.00 ft.
Who designed the Dark Harbor 20?
The Dark Harbor 20 was designed by Olin Stephens, first built in 1934.