Highlander Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Highlander was designed in 1949 by Gordon "Sandy" Douglass, a prominent figure known for his innovative one-design sailboat creations like the Thistle and Flying Scot. Douglass & McLeod, co-founded by Sandy Douglass and Ray McLeod in 1951, initially specialized in finishing molded plywood hulls, including the Highlander itself. The Highlander was envisioned as a more comfortable and larger alternative to the Thistle, aiming to cater to both family day sailing and racing.

Douglass & McLeod operated from Grand River, Ohio, and built a reputation for producing high-quality, performance-oriented sailboats. The company's ethos, heavily influenced by Sandy Douglass's innovative designs, fostered competitive yet accessible racing through the one-design principle. Production of the Highlander remained steady after its 1951 introduction, with over 1,000 hulls built by Douglass & McLeod before Allen Boat Co. took over production around 2009. Even decades later, older Highlander hulls can still compete effectively with newly built boats, a testament to its enduring design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Highlander is widely regarded as a high-performance one-design racing dinghy, also popular for day sailing. Its design allows it to be quick to pick up speed, responding smoothly and predictably to changes in tiller position and sail trim. Many top racers have honed their skills sailing Highlanders, demonstrating the boat's capacity for competitive performance. The Highlander has consistently proven itself as one of the fastest one-design centerboard sailboats. With its substantial sail area relative to its weight, the Highlander can achieve planing speeds, offering an exhilarating sailing experience. It's noted for its lively characteristics while remaining manageable for different skill levels.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a 20-foot racing dinghy and day sailor, the Highlander features a relatively open and simple interior layout, prioritizing performance and crew space over extensive accommodations. Information regarding specific interior details like berths, galley, or head is limited, which is typical for a boat of this size and purpose. Its primary focus is on a spacious cockpit suitable for a crew of three for racing or a small family for day excursions. Any interior space would primarily serve for stowing sails and gear, with minimal provision for overnighting.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Highlander consistently praise its enduring design and competitive nature. The ability of older hulls to compete on an even basis with newer ones is a frequently highlighted strength, indicating the longevity and fairness of the one-design class. Sailors appreciate its lively and responsive handling, noting its quick acceleration and predictable behavior, even in varying conditions. The Highlander is often described as a fun boat to sail, offering significant performance for its size. While specific common problems are not widely documented, the Highlander's strong class association and dedicated owner base suggest a well-supported community for addressing any potential issues. The consistent praise for its performance and the active nature of its racing class underscore its continued popularity among sailing enthusiasts.