Demon Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Demon commenced in 1961 by the Advance Sailboat Corp., a Midwestern company founded by Ralph Kuppersmith in 1960. Advance Sailboat Corp. operated until 1980, specializing in smaller, one-design sailboats crafted primarily from fiberglass, making the sport more accessible. The Demon's lineage is notable, stemming from the International Flying Junior, a well-regarded dinghy designed by Uus van Essen, often credited with Conrad Gulcher as well. Charles Teeter, serving as Advance Sailboat Corp.'s in-house designer and tool maker, played a significant role in bringing the Demon to life. This design philosophy emphasized simplicity and performance, aiming to provide a boat that was both fun to sail and suitable for competitive one-design racing. The Demon also served as the foundation for another of Advance Sailboat Corp.'s successful models, the Sweet Sixteen.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact size, with a length overall of 15.25 feet and a displacement of 275 pounds, the Demon is fundamentally a nimble and responsive sailing dinghy. As such, traditional performance ratios typically applied to larger cruisers and racers do not fully capture its sailing characteristics. Equipped with a centerboard and a fractional sloop rig, the Demon offers versatility in handling and performance. Its light displacement and efficient sail plan, with a reported sail area of 116 square feet, suggest that it is quick to accelerate and responsive to helm input. The centerboard provides flexibility, allowing for shallow water access when retracted and improved upwind performance when deployed. This combination of features makes the Demon an engaging boat for learning fundamental sailing skills, enjoying spirited day sails, and participating in informal club races.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 15.25-foot dinghy, the Advance Demon is designed for open-air sailing and does not feature a traditional enclosed cabin or interior accommodations. The primary focus of its layout is the cockpit, which provides seating and operational space for two to three sailors. This open design is typical of small day sailors and facilitates easy movement and quick water drainage. While specific details on the finish quality or materials for the cockpit are not widely documented, it would have featured robust fiberglass construction, consistent with the manufacturing practices of Advance Sailboat Corp. during its era. The presence of elements like a traveler on the transom, as noted by owners, indicates a design that supports active sail trim and control, further emphasizing its capabilities as a responsive sailing craft.