Designed as a high-performance one-design dinghy, the Vanguard 15 has built a loyal following among sailors who value spirited, responsive sailing in a nimble and accessible package. Developed by Vanguard Sailboats, this single-handed or double-handed dinghy is particularly well-suited to lake and bay sailing, making it a popular choice at yacht clubs and sailing schools across North America. The V15 is celebrated for its lively handling and relatively forgiving nature, striking a balance that appeals to both developing sailors and experienced racers looking for competitive fleet action. Its straightforward rigging and manageable size make it easy to rig, launch, and recover, lowering the barrier to entry for those new to performance sailing while still delivering the kind of excitement that keeps seasoned sailors engaged. Fleet racing is where the Vanguard 15 truly shines, with active class associations helping maintain competitive and social racing programs at many clubs. For anyone researching a boat that offers genuine performance, strong community support, and versatility across skill levels, the V15 is a compelling option worth serious consideration.
About this estimate ▾
- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
- See our full analysis: What Thousands of Sailboat Listings Tell Us About Used Boat Prices.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Vanguard 15's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Vanguard 15 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 59.46. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Vanguard 15's comfort ratio?
The Vanguard 15 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.11. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Vanguard 15 safe for offshore sailing?
The Vanguard 15 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.76. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Vanguard 15?
The theoretical hull speed of the Vanguard 15 is 5.19 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Vanguard 15 weigh?
The Vanguard 15 has a displacement of 200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 15.25 ft.
How much does a used Vanguard 15 cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used Vanguard 15 sailboats typically sell for between $1,250 and $1,500, with a median asking price of $1,250. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Vanguard 15?
The Vanguard 15 was designed by Bob Ames, first built in 1992.