Developed by British designer David Thomas, the Sigma 38 Ss is a performance cruiser-racer that earned a strong following in UK sailing circles during the 1980s and beyond. Built with an emphasis on versatile offshore capability, this sloop strikes a balance between competitive racing potential and comfortable coastal cruising, making it an appealing choice for sailors who refuse to choose between speed and practicality. The Sigma range as a whole developed a reputation for producing well-mannered, seaworthy hulls that reward skilled helming without punishing less experienced crews. The 38 Ss carries forward these qualities with a design that performs respectably on the racecourse while remaining capable of longer offshore passages. Its relatively clean lines and responsive handling make it a boat that sailors tend to enjoy across a wide range of conditions. For those researching a used purchase, the Sigma 38 Ss benefits from a loyal class community and a history of active club racing in British waters, which often means a reasonable supply of well-maintained examples. It suits ambitious weekend sailors and club racers looking for a boat with genuine offshore credentials.
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What is the Sigma 38 Ss's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Sigma 38 Ss has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.92. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Sigma 38 Ss's comfort ratio?
The Sigma 38 Ss has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 43.08. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Sigma 38 Ss safe for offshore sailing?
The Sigma 38 Ss has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.54. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Sigma 38 Ss?
The theoretical hull speed of the Sigma 38 Ss is 7.03 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Sigma 38 Ss weigh?
The Sigma 38 Ss has a displacement of 19,025.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.33 ft.
Who designed the Sigma 38 Ss?
The Sigma 38 Ss was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1967.