Built by Gale Force in the USA starting in 1982, this 20-foot fiberglass sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to compact cruising design. The swing keel configuration makes the Wild Wind 20 particularly appealing for shallow water exploration and easy trailering, allowing access to anchorages that would be off-limits to deeper-draft vessels. With its fractional sloop rig and moderate sail area of 193 square feet, this boat strikes a balance between performance and manageable sail handling. The relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio provides good stability, while the swing keel system offers versatility for both sailing and ground tackle situations. The beam of nearly 8 feet creates surprising interior volume for a 20-footer, making extended coastal cruising more comfortable than the compact dimensions might suggest. The comfort ratio of 11.61 indicates this design prioritizes seaworthiness over speed, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and protected offshore passages. The capsize screening formula of 2.44 suggests reasonable stability characteristics for its size class. This combination of features makes the Wild Wind 20 an attractive option for sailors seeking a trailerable pocket cruiser capable of serious coastal adventures while remaining manageable for single-handed or small crew operations.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Wild Wind 20 Gale Force's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Wild Wind 20 Gale Force has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.3. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Wild Wind 20 Gale Force's comfort ratio?
The Wild Wind 20 Gale Force has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 11.61. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Wild Wind 20 Gale Force safe for offshore sailing?
The Wild Wind 20 Gale Force 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 Wild Wind 20 Gale Force?
The theoretical hull speed of the Wild Wind 20 Gale Force is 5.69 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Wild Wind 20 Gale Force weigh?
The Wild Wind 20 Gale Force has a displacement of 2,200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 20.00 ft.