The Archambault Sprint 95, designed by the acclaimed French naval architects Joubert Nivelt Design and built by Archambault Boats, is a compelling monohull that seamlessly blends the thrill of racing with the practicality of coastal cruising. Launched in 1989, this 31-foot fractional sloop quickly established itself as a nimble and responsive vessel, embodying Archambault's reputation for crafting performance-oriented yachts with a strong emphasis on speed and competitive sailing.
Sprint 95 Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Model
- Number Built
- 90
- Production Year(s)
- 1989 - 1997
History and Design
The Sprint 95's production run spanned from 1989 to 1997, during which approximately 90 units were built. Its creation aligns perfectly with Archambault's historical ethos of producing fiberglass monohulls designed for both competitive excellence and enjoyable sailing experiences. The shipyard, founded in 1959 by Emmanuel Archambault, was known for its close collaboration with Joubert Nivelt Design, a partnership that yielded a long line of innovative and competitive designs. Archambault boats of this era were constructed with a focus on creating light, stiff, and fast hulls, optimized for rating rules like the International Rating Certificate (IRC). This design philosophy is evident in the Sprint 95, which was conceived as a racer-cruiser—a vessel capable of excelling in regattas while still offering sufficient comfort for recreational sailing. While specific details on design variations like MkI or MkII are not widely documented, the Sprint 95 was offered with a standard deep draft of 5.91 feet (1.80m) and an optional shallow draft of 4.27 feet (1.30m), providing flexibility for different sailing grounds.
Sailing Performance and Handling
With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 31.37, the Sprint 95 exhibits a very high performance potential, especially in lighter air. This suggests that the boat is well-powered and capable of moving efficiently even in gentle breezes. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 35.6% indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, a desirable trait for a performance-oriented design. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 105.48 further categorizes the Sprint 95 as a relatively light and performance-focused boat, promising agile handling and a lively feel at the helm.
Owners and reviewers consistently describe the Sprint 95 as a fast, fun, and agile sailboat. It is designed for speed and is well-suited for competitive regattas, offering responsive handling that is a hallmark of Joubert Nivelt's meticulous design work. The fractional sloop rig, combined with its efficient bulb keel and spade rudder, contributes to its nimble characteristics and ability to perform well on the race course.
Accommodations and Layout
While the Sprint 95 prioritizes performance, it does offer accommodations suitable for cruising. Information regarding the interior layout indicates a functional arrangement, typical of racer-cruisers of its era. Reviewers mention that the boat is equipped with a water capacity of 13 gallons and a fuel capacity of 8 gallons for its 10 HP Yanmar diesel engine. The interior generally features basic but comfortable living areas, often including curtains and cushions. Like many boats focused on speed, specific headroom figures are not always a primary focus in available documentation, but the layout is designed to be practical for its size. The general finish quality typically reflects Archambault's reputation for solid construction, utilizing fiberglass for the hull and deck.
Owner's Perspectives
Owners of the Archambault Sprint 95 frequently praise its performance capabilities and solid construction. Discussions in sailing forums highlight its reputation as a good boat with quality build. Owners often describe it as a vessel that is "fast, fun, and ready to win races." There is a community of enthusiasts who actively participate in forums dedicated to maintaining and optimizing these vessels, underscoring their lasting appeal. While specific common problems are not overwhelmingly cited, the overall sentiment points towards a rewarding ownership experience for those who value a strong sailing pedigree and lively performance.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Bulb
- Rudder
- 1x Spade
- Ballast
- 1764 lbs
- Displacement
- 4950 lbs
- Water Capacity
- 13 gal
- Fuel Capacity
- 8 gal
Engine
- Engine Make
- Yanmar
- Engine Model
- —
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- 10
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Fractional Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- -
- E (Main Foot)
- -
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- -
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- -
- Forestay Length (est)
- -
- Main Sail Area
- -
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- -
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 570 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- -
Dimensions
- LOA
- 31.1 ft
- LWL
- 27.56 ft
- Beam
- 9.58 ft
- Draft
- 5.91 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 7.03 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 943.39