Designed by Kim Swarbrick and built by Swarbrick Brothers in Australia starting in 1978, this 26-foot sailboat represents solid Australian craftsmanship from the late 1970s era. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration, providing responsive handling characteristics typical of boats from this period. With a displacement of 3,086 pounds and ballast of 1,213 pounds, the Swarbrick 80 strikes a balance between performance and stability suitable for coastal cruising and club racing. The fractional sloop rig carries 320 square feet of sail area, delivering a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 24.22 that indicates spirited sailing performance without being overly aggressive. The boat's comfort ratio of 10.79 suggests a relatively stiff, quick motion that favors performance over ultimate comfort, while the capsize screening formula of 2.44 indicates reasonable stability for coastal waters. The hull speed of 6.47 knots reflects typical performance expectations for this length waterline. This design would appeal to sailors seeking an affordable entry into performance-oriented sailing, particularly those interested in club racing or spirited coastal cruising. The Australian build quality and Kim Swarbrick's reputation for practical, seaworthy designs make this an interesting option in the vintage sailboat market.
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What is the Swarbrick 80's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Swarbrick 80 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 24.22. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Swarbrick 80's comfort ratio?
The Swarbrick 80 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 10.79. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Swarbrick 80 safe for offshore sailing?
The Swarbrick 80 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.44. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Swarbrick 80?
The theoretical hull speed of the Swarbrick 80 is 6.47 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Swarbrick 80 weigh?
The Swarbrick 80 has a displacement of 3,086.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.25 ft.
Who designed the Swarbrick 80?
The Swarbrick 80 was designed by Kim Swarbrick, first built in 1978.