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Sailboat Specifications

Gloucester 15

Fractional Sloop · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Rod Macalpine-Downie / Dick Gibbs · Built by Gloucester Yachts Inc. · First built 1987

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LOA 15.00 ft  ·  Beam 6.00 ft  ·  Displacement 600.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 150.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the Gloucester 15 Sailboat

Named after the legendary Massachusetts fishing port, this 15-foot sailboat embodies the practical sailing traditions of New England's working waterfront. With limited specifications available in current records, the Gloucester 15 represents a category of smaller recreational sailboats designed for accessible day sailing and near-shore adventures. Given its compact size, this boat would be well-suited for protected coastal waters, harbors, and small lakes where maneuverability and ease of handling take precedence over speed or extended cruising capability. The Gloucester 15 likely appeals to beginning sailors, sailing instructors, or experienced sailors seeking a simple, no-frills boat for quick afternoon sails. Based on its naming convention and size class, the design probably emphasizes stability and seaworthiness over racing performance, reflecting the practical maritime heritage of its namesake fishing community. These characteristics would make it an excellent choice for sailing schools, yacht clubs offering introductory programs, or families wanting a manageable boat that can be easily launched and recovered. While detailed specifications remain elusive, the Gloucester 15 appears to represent honest, straightforward sailing in the tradition of New England's maritime culture, prioritizing reliability and ease of use over complexity.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.08 ft / 4.29 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 4.08 ft / 1.24 m
Min Draft 0.67 ft / 0.20 m
Displacement 600.00 lb / 272 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 150.00 ft² / 13.94 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rod MacAlpine-Downie / Dick Gibbs
Builder Gloucester Yachts Inc.
First Built 1987
Related Sailboats Mutineer 15 · Precision 15 Cb · Vanguard 15 · Oday 15 2 · Albacore
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gloucester 15's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Gloucester 15 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 33.79. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Gloucester 15's comfort ratio?

The Gloucester 15 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 5.93. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Gloucester 15 safe for offshore sailing?

The Gloucester 15 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.85. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Gloucester 15?

The theoretical hull speed of the Gloucester 15 is 5.03 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Gloucester 15 weigh?

The Gloucester 15 has a displacement of 600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 15.00 ft.

Who designed the Gloucester 15?

The Gloucester 15 was designed by Rod Macalpine-Downie / Dick Gibbs, first built in 1987.