Deluxe Sail Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Deluxe Sail emerged from American Fiberglass Corporation, a Norwalk, Connecticut-based company founded in 1962 by designer Art Javes and financier Billy Mills. American Fiberglass built its reputation on creating innovative and affordable sailboats, notably the Aqua Cat catamaran, with a mission to invite a larger segment of the public into the sport. The company's ethos during this era centered on offering exciting performance at a reasonable cost, a principle evident in the design of the Deluxe Sail. The Deluxe Sail's production began around 1970. While specific design philosophies for the Deluxe Sail by a named designer were not found, it aligns with American Fiberglass's broader goal of providing an open, engaging sailing experience.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring just over 8 feet in length overall with a reported sail area of 39 square feet, and a displacement of only 105 pounds, the Deluxe Sail is a remarkably light and nimble craft. Its cat rig, characterized by a single sail, is known for its simplicity and ease of handling, making it an ideal choice for single-handed sailing or for beginners. This type of rig is generally effective for sailing to windward, particularly in calmer conditions.

The inclusion of a daggerboard, rather than a fixed keel, is a common feature on small sailboats like the Deluxe Sail. A daggerboard provides lateral resistance essential for sailing upwind and can be retracted, allowing the boat to be easily launched, retrieved, and sailed in very shallow waters. The combination of its light weight, simple cat rig, and retractable daggerboard suggests the Deluxe Sail offers lively performance and responsive handling, characteristic of a fun and easily managed daysailer.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size of 8.17 feet in length and 4.3 feet in beam, the American Fiberglass Deluxe Sail is designed exclusively as an open-cockpit daysailer. There are no enclosed interior accommodations or headroom. The layout would consist of an open cockpit area, providing seating for one or two individuals, focusing entirely on the sailing experience rather than on overnight stays or extensive amenities. This design maximizes the available space for active sailing and simplifies maintenance, aligning with its purpose as an accessible and straightforward recreational sailboat.