Designed by Carl Alberg and built by Pearson Yachts, the Ensign represents one of the most successful small keelboat designs in American sailing history. This compact sloop became a cornerstone of yacht club fleets and sailing programs across the country, earning recognition for its exceptional stability, forgiving handling characteristics, and robust construction. The Ensign's traditional lines reflect Alberg's talent for creating seaworthy designs that inspire confidence in novice sailors while remaining engaging for experienced helmsmen. Its moderate proportions and well-balanced sail plan make it ideally suited for day sailing, sailing instruction, and competitive one-design racing. The boat's reputation for durability stems from Pearson's solid fiberglass construction methods, which have allowed many examples to remain active decades after launch. What sets the Ensign apart is its versatility as both a trainer and recreational sailboat. Yacht clubs particularly value its ability to handle rough conditions while maintaining predictable sailing characteristics. The cockpit layout accommodates small crews comfortably, making it perfect for casual afternoon sails or structured racing programs. Its forgiving nature and inherent stability have made countless sailors comfortable with the fundamentals of sailing, establishing the Ensign as a true classic in American small boat design.
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What is the Ensign Pearson's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Ensign Pearson has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.12. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Ensign Pearson's comfort ratio?
The Ensign Pearson has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 18.78. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Ensign Pearson safe for offshore sailing?
The Ensign Pearson has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.94. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Ensign Pearson?
The theoretical hull speed of the Ensign Pearson is 5.48 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Ensign Pearson weigh?
The Ensign Pearson has a displacement of 3,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 22.50 ft.
Who designed the Ensign Pearson?
The Ensign Pearson was designed by Carl Alberg, first built in 1962.