Designed by Philippe Harlè and built by French manufacturer Jouet from 1969 to 1977, this 20-foot sailboat represents solid European craftsmanship from sailing's fiberglass boom era. With 1,300 hulls produced over eight years, the Sheriff 600 found favor among sailors seeking an affordable yet capable small cruiser. The boat's fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration with transom-hung rudder deliver responsive handling characteristics well-suited to coastal cruising and day sailing. Her moderate beam of 7.74 feet provides reasonable interior volume for weekend getaways, while the 3.02-foot draft allows exploration of shallow harbors and anchorages. The displacement of 1,819 pounds with 496 pounds of ballast creates a stable platform without excessive weight. Performance metrics reveal a boat designed for comfort over speed, with a low comfort ratio of 10.88 indicating good motion characteristics in a seaway. The capsize screening formula of 2.54 suggests reasonable stability for protected waters and moderate offshore conditions. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of 23.67 provides adequate power in light to moderate winds, making this an ideal choice for relaxed coastal cruising rather than competitive racing. The Sheriff 600 appeals to sailors wanting classic European styling with practical sailing capabilities.
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What is the Sheriff 600's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Sheriff 600 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 23.67. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Sheriff 600's comfort ratio?
The Sheriff 600 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 10.88. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Sheriff 600 safe for offshore sailing?
The Sheriff 600 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.54. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Sheriff 600?
The theoretical hull speed of the Sheriff 600 is 5.26 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Sheriff 600 weigh?
The Sheriff 600 has a displacement of 1,819.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 20.41 ft.
Who designed the Sheriff 600?
The Sheriff 600 was designed by Philippe Harlè, first built in 1969.