Designed by Wendell Calkins in 1942 and built by Dorrance McClure, this classic 14-foot centerboard dinghy represents traditional American small boat design from the World War II era. The Pacific 14's plywood construction made it an accessible and practical choice for sailors seeking an affordable entry into the sport during a time when materials and resources were precious. With its fractional sloop rig and generous sail area of 120 square feet, this little boat delivers spirited performance that belies its modest 225-pound displacement. The relatively deep draft of 4.25 feet with the centerboard down provides excellent upwind ability, while the board-up configuration allows for shallow water exploration and easy beaching. The narrow 4.7-foot beam contributes to the boat's responsive handling characteristics, though it demands active sailing from the crew. Best suited for protected waters, day sailing, and sailing instruction, the Pacific 14 offers an authentic connection to sailing's fundamentals. Its capsize screening formula of 3.09 indicates this is decidedly a fair-weather boat requiring experienced handling in stronger conditions. The high sail area to displacement ratio of 51.94 promises exciting sailing in moderate winds, making it an excellent choice for sailors who appreciate classic design and lively performance in a manageable package.
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What is the Pacific 14's comfort ratio?
The Pacific 14 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 3.51. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
What is the hull speed of the Pacific 14?
The theoretical hull speed of the Pacific 14 is 4.62 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Pacific 14 weigh?
The Pacific 14 has a displacement of 225.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 14.00 ft.
Who designed the Pacific 14?
The Pacific 14 was designed by Wendell Calkins, first built in 1942.