Conquest (Sailstar) Information, Review, Specs

Emerging during a pivotal transition for its builder, the Conquest represents a fleeting moment in the history of American fiberglass sailboat manufacturing. It offers a glimpse into the diverse designs that came under the umbrella of one of the industry's most respected names.

History and Design

The Sailstar Conquest was introduced in 1967, with its production ceasing just a year later in 1968. This short manufacturing window coincided with the retirement of the Sailstar line, following its acquisition by Clinton Pearson in 1964. Pearson, a co-founder of Pearson Yachts, purchased Sailstar's assets and relocated its boatyard to Bristol, Rhode Island, establishing what would become Bristol Yacht Company. Thus, while bearing the Sailstar name, the Conquest was built during the era when the robust fiberglass construction ethos of Bristol Yachts was taking root. Bristol Yachts quickly gained a reputation for building solid, "overbuilt" vessels, a characteristic that likely influenced the construction of even its smaller, transitional models.

The designer, Paul Coble, crafted the Conquest as a compact monohull. Its solid fiberglass hull and deck material underscore the durability and low maintenance that fiberglass offered, a revolutionary advantage over traditional wooden boat construction during the mid-20th century.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sailstar Conquest, with a length overall of 19.2 feet and a waterline length of 17.08 feet, is designed for accessible sailing. Its beam of 6.79 feet provides a respectable platform for its size. Weighing in at 1750 pounds, this small cruiser is relatively light, contributing to a lively feel on the water.

A key feature of the Conquest's design is its centerboard keel, which allows for a variable draft ranging from a shallow 1.58 feet with the board up to a deeper 3.92 feet when deployed. This adaptability makes the Conquest well-suited for exploring shallow anchorages and enhances its upwind performance with the board down. The fractional sloop rig, with a reported sail area of 186 square feet, suggests a boat that is easily handled and responsive. Owners have described the Conquest as "very stable with strong rigging," indicating a confidence-inspiring sailing experience even in varied conditions. Its modest dimensions and fractional rig would make it a manageable boat for single-handed sailing or for those new to the sport, while still offering enjoyable performance for a seasoned daysailer.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length of just over 19 feet, the Sailstar Conquest's interior accommodations are necessarily modest, designed primarily for day trips and perhaps rudimentary overnighting. While specific detailed interior layouts for the Conquest are scarce due to its rarity, vessels of this size typically feature a basic cabin. This would most likely include a V-berth forward for sleeping, offering space for two adults.

Any additional amenities would be minimal, possibly comprising limited storage lockers and perhaps space for a portable head. The emphasis would have been on maximizing cockpit space for comfortable sailing and lounging, as is common with small daysailers and weekend cruisers. The construction quality would align with the robust standards of the period, featuring durable fiberglass surfaces that are easy to maintain.