Designed by G. William McVay Sr. and built by McVay Fiberglass Yachts in Canada from 1967 to 1987, this compact 18-foot sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to small boat design. The Minuet's fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration deliver responsive sailing characteristics that belie her modest dimensions. With a displacement of just 1,000 pounds and 420 pounds of ballast providing stability, the Minuet strikes an appealing balance between performance and seaworthiness. Her comfort ratio of 11.22 indicates a relatively tender motion that's well-suited to day sailing and weekend coastal cruising. The sail area to displacement ratio of 20.36 suggests spirited performance in light to moderate conditions, while the hull speed of 4.80 knots provides respectable pace for her size. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailing. Her compact 5.42-foot beam and shallow 2.92-foot draft make the Minuet an excellent choice for exploring shoal waters and smaller harbors. While not designed for extended offshore passages, this boat excels at coastal day sailing, sailing instruction, and as an entry point into the sport for new sailors seeking quality construction and predictable handling characteristics.
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What is the Minuet's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Minuet has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.36. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Minuet's comfort ratio?
The Minuet has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 11.22. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Minuet safe for offshore sailing?
The Minuet has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.17. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Minuet?
The theoretical hull speed of the Minuet is 4.80 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Minuet weigh?
The Minuet has a displacement of 1,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 18.33 ft.
Who designed the Minuet?
The Minuet was designed by G. William Mcvay Sr., first built in 1967.