Sweet Sixteen Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Sweet Sixteen begins with its builder, Advance Sailboat Corp., a Midwestern company founded by Ralph Kuppersmith in 1960. Headquartered in Independence, Missouri, Advance Sailboat Corp. dedicated itself to producing smaller, one-design sailboats, aiming to introduce more people to the sport, 4]. The Sweet Sixteen, produced between 1962 and 1980, became a particularly significant model in their lineup.

The design of the Sweet Sixteen itself has an interesting lineage, being derived from the "Demon" model, which in turn was an extended version of the "Flying Junior". According to the National Sweet Sixteen web site, the creation involved splitting a Demon hull medially from bow to stern, re-fairing the midline to form a new keel, increasing the beam to six feet, and extending the hull's flare for the bow. The freeboard and sheer were also raised, and a new deck designed, resulting in its distinctive 16-foot length [Notes in. Charles Teeter served as the in-house designer and tool maker for Advance Sailboats Co. during this period, crafting a boat that aligned with the company's ethos of providing reliable and enjoyable dinghies Notes in, Builder Article.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 16-foot fractional sloop, the Sweet Sixteen is designed for nimble handling and responsive performance, characteristic of a recreational and one-design racing dinghy. With a length overall of 16.0 feet and a waterline length of 12.25 feet, it boasts a theoretical hull speed of approximately 4.69 knots. Its fractional sloop rig features a mainsail area of 83.25 sq ft and a foretriangle area of 33.75 sq ft, contributing to a total calculated sail area of 117.0 sq ft. This sail plan, coupled with its relatively light displacement of 450 lbs, ensures lively performance in various wind conditions. The boat's design, including a centerboard and a maximum draft of 2.8 feet (reducing to 0.5 feet with the board up), offers versatility for sailing in shallow waters while providing sufficient lateral resistance for upwind performance. The Sweet Sixteen's role as a one-design class sailboat suggests a design focused on providing competitive, balanced, and engaging sailing characteristics for participants.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 16-foot length and designation as a dinghy, the Advance Sweet Sixteen prioritizes an open and functional cockpit over enclosed accommodations typically found on larger cruising sailboats. The design focuses on maximizing space for crew movement and sailing operations, making it ideal for day sailing and racing. The layout would typically include open bench seating along the sides of the cockpit, providing space for a crew of two or three. Storage is generally limited to small compartments or under the seating areas, suitable for essential gear and personal items. While lacking interior headroom or cabins, the design ensures an uncluttered deck and cockpit, facilitating easy handling of sails and maneuvers. The fiberglass hull construction provides a durable and low-maintenance platform for these purposes.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Advance Sweet Sixteen often highlight its suitability for one-design racing and its general appeal as an accessible family sailboat. The existence of a National Sweet Sixteen Sailing Organization underscores a strong and active community dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of these boats. This collective owner base likely values the boat's simplicity, robust fiberglass construction, and the direct, engaging sailing experience it offers. While specific common problems are not broadly documented in available public reviews, the general nature of fiberglass dinghies from that era suggests that common maintenance tasks might involve care of the gelcoat, upkeep of rigging and spars, and occasional re-bedding of deck hardware to prevent leaks, ensuring the boat remains in top condition for both recreational sailing and competitive events. The close relation to the Demon model also suggests shared characteristics and a common owner community that supports both designs.