Pacific Clipper Information, Review, Specs

The Pacific Clipper's story begins in 1956, marking Cheoy Lee Shipyard's foray into pleasure boat production and leveraging the well-regarded design of the Nordic Folkboat. The original Nordic Folkboat, conceived by Swedish engineer Tord Sundén in 1941, was envisioned as a versatile racer-cruiser, lauded for its enduring beauty and robust build. While the Pacific Clipper shares this fundamental design, it was a modified version, with refinements made by unnamed Cheoy Lee staff to suit their production capabilities and market.

Cheoy Lee, with a heritage dating back to 1870, established a reputation for dependable products and exceptional craftsmanship. During the mid-1950s, when the Pacific Clipper was introduced, the shipyard was diversifying into teak sailing and motor yachts, with pleasure boats quickly becoming a significant part of their output, particularly for export to the United States. The Pacific Clipper, constructed with a wood hull and wood deck with fiberglass overlays, exemplifies Cheoy Lee's early manufacturing ethos of solid, traditional boatbuilding before their widespread adoption of fiberglass in the 1960s. Over its production run, the boat was known by several names, including the Frisco Flyer, a designation originating from the Richard Reed yacht brokerage in San Francisco, and later as the Offshore 26.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its modest length, the Pacific Clipper exhibits commendable sailing characteristics, a testament to its Folkboat heritage. With a displacement of 5,500 pounds and a waterline length of 19.5 feet, its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 159.84 suggests a relatively light and performance-oriented hull for a boat of its era. This lighter displacement contributes to higher acceleration and allows for a more responsive feel under sail.

The boat's Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 19.31 (as seen in the Offshore 26 variant) indicates good light-air performance, meaning it can move effectively even in gentle breezes. Furthermore, a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 40.7% (2,240 lbs ballast in a 5,500 lb displacement) points to a stiff and stable vessel capable of standing up to a good amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners often describe the Pacific Clipper, or its Frisco Flyer variant, as a "salty old character boat" celebrated for its seaworthiness, capable of more than just fair-weather daysailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cheoy Lee Pacific Clipper, while compact, is generally considered well-appointed, reflecting Cheoy Lee's attention to detail and traditional finish. Early models, in particular, were known for their extensive use of teak for cabinetry and trim, contributing to a classic and warm ambiance below deck.

Typical of boats of its size and design, the Pacific Clipper features a straightforward interior layout within its small trunk cabin. While specific headroom figures are not widely available, owners acknowledge the interior can feel modest due to the hull design. The arrangement generally includes a V-berth forward, a compact salon area, and basic galley and head facilities, designed to maximize functionality within the limited space available on a 25-foot vessel. Storage is often integrated throughout the cabin, utilizing every available nook and cranny suitable for a coastal cruiser or weekender.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Pacific Clipper, Frisco Flyer, and Offshore 26 models consistently praise the solid construction and enduring beauty of these vessels. Many consider them to be "some of the best built boats in the world," a testament to Cheoy Lee's craftsmanship. The active and dedicated owner communities, such as those within the Cheoy Lee Association, highlight the enduring appeal and support network for these classic sailboats.

Common strengths frequently noted include their seaworthiness, comfortable motion, and surprisingly capable performance for their size. Owners appreciate their traditional lines and the quality of the original wooden construction. As with many vintage wooden boats, a recurring point of maintenance for owners can be the upkeep or, in some cases, the necessary repair or replacement of original wooden decks or extensive teak components, which, if not diligently maintained, can lead to issues like leaks. Despite these typical considerations for older vessels, the overall sentiment among owners remains overwhelmingly positive, cherishing their Pacific Clippers for their classic charm and solid sailing capabilities.