Caprice 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Caprice 15 begins in 1968, positioning it firmly within the formative years of Canadian Sailcraft, the precursor to CS Yachts. Founded by Paul Tennyson, Canadian Sailcraft initially focused on dinghy production, and the Caprice 15 exemplifies this early era. It was designed by the esteemed naval architecture firm Cuthbertson & Cassian (C&C Design), which would later become globally recognized for its performance-oriented cruising and racing yachts. The design brief for the Caprice 15 was to create a racer, and the designers opted for a "spacy hull design," suggesting a focus on interior volume and potentially stability for a boat of its size. Constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the Caprice 15 was built with durability in mind, a characteristic that would become a hallmark of CS Yachts' later, larger vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small, open dinghy, the Caprice 15 is designed for spirited daysailing and racing, prioritizing responsiveness and agility over the comfort or stability typically associated with larger cruisers. Given its dimensions—a length overall of 14.67 feet and a lightweight displacement of 250 pounds—traditional performance ratios like sail area to displacement or ballast to displacement do not apply in the same qualitative manner as they would for a keelboat. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring 123 square feet of reported sail area, contributes to its lively performance, allowing it to accelerate quickly and respond well to trim. Equipped with a centerboard, the Caprice 15 offers a variable draft, ranging from a shallow 0.58 feet for easy beaching or trailering to a deeper 3.83 feet for enhanced upwind performance. This makes it a versatile craft for various shallow-water environments.

Accommodations and Layout

Befitting its design as a racing dinghy and daysailer, the Caprice 15 features an open cockpit layout, typical for boats of its size and purpose. There are no enclosed accommodations or interior headroom to speak of. The layout is focused on maximizing space for crew movement and sail handling, providing seating along the gunwales and an open area for rigging and gear. Its simplicity reflects its primary use for short excursions and competitive sailing rather than overnight stays or extended cruising.