Bandholm 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bandholm 20 emerged from the Bandholm Yachts shipyard in 1970, a period when fiberglass was rapidly becoming the material of choice for yacht construction, enabling consistent quality and enhanced durability. The company, founded by Knud Olsen in 1961, established a reputation for steadfast craftsmanship from its base in Bandholm, Denmark. Olsen's vision for his yachts, including the Bandholm 20, emphasized creating vessels known for their fine sailing characteristics and high-quality construction. While the exact end year of the Bandholm 20's production is not definitively documented, evidence suggests its build ran at least through the mid-1970s.

Knud Olsen's design philosophy, deeply ingrained in the Bandholm brand, focused on stability, stiffness, and excellent righting capability. These attributes are clearly reflected in the Bandholm 20, which features a solid fiberglass hull and deck, and a full, long keel. The choice of a masthead sloop rig further aligns with Olsen's preference for simple yet effective rigging. Olsen also held a belief that elements like the deck should feel "right," though the Bandholm 20 utilizes fiberglass for this component.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bandholm 20's specifications reveal a design tailored for stability and a steady motion rather than outright speed. With a displacement of 4850 lbs and a waterline length of 19.03 feet, its Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) calculates to approximately 314.68. This high D/L ratio places it firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, suggesting a comfortable ride in choppy conditions and a resistance to being easily pushed around by waves.

A substantial ballast of 2425 lbs contributes to a Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of 0.50. This impressive ratio indicates that the Bandholm 20 is a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heeling. While its Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 11.17 suggests it may not be a spirited performer in very light airs, it implies a manageable sail plan that is easy to handle and robust enough for stronger breezes. The long keel, a hallmark of many Bandholm designs, provides excellent directional stability and tracking, making for a confident and predictable helm in various sea states. The boat's theoretical hull speed is estimated at 5.85 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact dimensions, the Bandholm 20 offers a simple and functional interior layout, typical of small cruisers from its era. While specific details on the maximum headroom and interior configurations are not widely documented, the design likely prioritizes essential cruising amenities within its length overall of 23.62 feet and a beam of 7.55 feet. Small cruisers of this size generally provide basic sleeping accommodations, a compact galley area, and a rudimentary head, making them suitable for weekend trips or day sailing with limited crew. Storage is typically managed through lockers and under-berth spaces. Without specific layout diagrams or detailed reviews, it is inferred that the interior would reflect the builder's ethos of practical sailing, offering a durable and straightforward environment.