Home/ Boats/ Plans From Designer/ Piccolo
Sailboat Specifications

Piccolo

Masthead Sloop · Fin Keel

Designed by Jean-Pierre Villenave · Built by Plans From Designer · First built 1984

+ Add to Compare
LOA 21.33 ft  ·  Beam 8.07 ft  ·  Displacement 2,646.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 290.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin Keel
About the Piccolo Sailboat

Compact, nimble, and approachable, the Piccolo is a small sailboat that has found a loyal following among sailors seeking an affordable and manageable entry point into sailing. Designed with simplicity in mind, the Piccolo suits sheltered coastal and inland waters, making it a practical choice for day sailing, leisurely cruising, and introductory racing on lakes and bays. Its modest size is one of its greatest strengths, allowing easy trailering, straightforward rigging, and single-handed or short-handed sailing without demanding advanced technical skill. This accessibility makes the Piccolo particularly appealing to new sailors, families, and those returning to the water after a break, as well as experienced sailors looking for a low-maintenance weekend boat. While detailed specifications are limited, the Piccolo's reputation centers on its forgiving nature and ease of handling rather than high-performance sailing. Prospective buyers should expect a boat built for enjoyment and relaxation rather than offshore passages or competitive racing. For those prioritizing simplicity, portability, and fun on the water, the Piccolo represents a charming and sensible choice worth investigating further.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 21.33 ft / 6.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.68 ft / 6.00 m
Beam 8.07 ft / 2.46 m
Max Draft 3.94 ft / 1.20 m
Displacement 2,646.00 lb / 1,200 kg
Ballast 882.00 lb / 400 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 290.00 ft² / 26.94 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Plywood
Designer Jean-Pierre Villenave
Builder Plans from designer
First Built 1984
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Piccolo's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Piccolo has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 24.31. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Piccolo's comfort ratio?

The Piccolo has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 12.55. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Piccolo safe for offshore sailing?

The Piccolo has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.34. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Piccolo?

The theoretical hull speed of the Piccolo is 5.94 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Piccolo weigh?

The Piccolo has a displacement of 2,646.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 21.33 ft.

Who designed the Piccolo?

The Piccolo was designed by Jean-Pierre Villenave, first built in 1984.