Flying Scot Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Flying Scot's story begins in 1958, a testament to the vision of its designer, Gordon "Sandy" Douglass. Douglass, a prominent figure in the sailing world and a Sailing Hall of Fame inductee, brought decades of experience to the Flying Scot, aiming to create a boat that was both exhilarating to sail and forgiving for new sailors. Douglass & McLeod, the original builder, was co-founded by Sandy Douglass himself in 1951, initially focusing on finishing molded plywood hulls for other popular one-design classes like the Thistle and Highlander. The company quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to high-performance, accessible sailing and meticulous construction.

While Douglass & McLeod transitioned to fiberglass production for larger models in 1961, the Flying Scot, initially built with fiberglass hulls, remained a cornerstone of their offerings. The design has maintained a strict one-design concept throughout its long production run, ensuring fair racing and preserving the boat's original characteristics. This commitment to consistency has allowed older and newer boats to compete on an equal footing, fostering a vibrant and active class association.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 19 feet and a waterline length of 18.5 feet, the Flying Scot is a spritely day sailer with a hull speed of approximately 5.76 knots. Its design, featuring a centerboard with a maximum draft of 4.0 feet and a minimum draft of just 0.66 feet, allows for sailing in shallow waters and easy beaching. The fractional sloop rig boasts a reported sail area of 191 square feet, providing ample power for its 850-pound displacement.

The Flying Scot is widely praised for its stability and predictable handling, making it an excellent platform for learning to sail and for family outings. While capable of lively performance and planing in stronger breezes, it is known for being forgiving and manageable. Owners frequently note its impressive light-air performance. For racing, sailors often discuss optimizing crew positioning, noting that sitting too far aft, especially upwind, is a common mistake. The boat's robust construction and balanced design contribute to a comfortable motion in various sea states, a quality appreciated by both casual and competitive sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 19-foot day sailer and racer, the Flying Scot prioritizes a spacious cockpit and functional deck layout over extensive interior accommodations. The design provides a generous open cockpit, allowing ample room for a crew of three or more for racing, or a small family for leisurely cruising. The interior is generally simple, with no fixed berths or enclosed head, which is typical for a boat of its size and purpose. Photos and reviews indicate a layout focused on seating and sail handling efficiency. The emphasis is on a clean, uncluttered space for active sailing, rather than overnighting comfort. While specific details on materials vary with age and individual boat maintenance, the original construction by Douglass & McLeod focused on durable fiberglass.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Flying Scot consistently praise its solid construction and enduring design. Many view it as an ideal first sailboat due to its forgiving nature and stability. Its versatility as both a family day sailor and a competitive one-design racer is a frequently cited strength. The active and well-organized Flying Scot Sailing Association is another significant advantage, providing strong class support, regattas, and a vibrant community.

However, some owners note that while stable, its self-righting capabilities after a capsize can be challenging due to the potential for the mast to fill with water, making recovery difficult for a single person. Despite this, the boat's overall durability and the availability of parts and support through Flying Scot Inc., which acquired the company assets in 1991, contribute to its enduring popularity and ease of ownership.