Captiva (Escape) Information, Review, Specs

Built by the innovative Escape Sailboat Co., a venture founded by sailing luminaries Peter Johnstone, Tom Whidden, and Gary Jobson, the Captiva emerged from a philosophy focused on introducing sailing to a broader audience. Johnstone, with a lineage from J/Boats, combined forces with America's Cup winners Whidden and Jobson to create a line of small, affordable boats that defied traditional construction methods.

History and Design

The Escape Captiva was in production from 1999 to 2009, during a period when Escape Sailboat Co. pioneered the use of roto-molded polyethylene for small sailboat hulls. This innovative manufacturing technique, which began with the company's inception in 1996, allowed for the creation of seamless, durable, and lightweight hulls that were highly resistant to impact and required minimal maintenance. This ethos was central to Escape's goal of producing boats ideal for novice sailors and rental operations, ensuring longevity and ease of ownership.

While some Escape models were attributed to naval architect Garry Hoyt, the Captiva's design is often credited directly to Escape Sailboat Co.. Early versions of the Captiva featured daggerboards, but later models transitioned to a centerboard, a change implemented to further enhance the boat's ease of sailing, particularly in shallow waters. This design evolution underscored the builder's commitment to user-friendliness and accessibility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small, 11.5-foot dinghy, the Escape Captiva is characterized by its nimble and forgiving handling, making it an excellent platform for learning to sail. Its cat-rig design, featuring a single mast and mainsail, simplifies rigging and sail handling, allowing newcomers to quickly grasp the fundamentals without being overwhelmed by complex controls. The boat's light displacement of 195 pounds (88 kg) contributes to its responsiveness in light breezes, while its roto-molded polyethylene hull provides a stable and buoyant platform.

A key feature enhancing its practical utility is the pivoting centerboard and rudder. This design allows the Captiva to be sailed directly onto a beach without fear of damage to underwater appendages, a significant advantage for shallow-water cruising and convenient launching and retrieval. Owners frequently describe the Captiva as a fun and easy boat to sail, perfect for recreational outings and introducing children to the sport. Its design prioritizes stability and predictability, ensuring a positive experience for sailors of all skill levels.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 11.5-foot length, the Escape Captiva is designed primarily for open-air day sailing. Its layout is straightforward, focusing on a spacious and uncluttered cockpit area that can comfortably accommodate up to three adults, or a couple with children. The open design facilitates easy movement and provides ample space for crew, aligning with its purpose as a recreational and instructional dinghy.

Storage on such a small vessel is naturally limited, but the robust polyethylene construction means the hull itself is essentially a sealed unit, offering inherent buoyancy. The emphasis is on functionality and low maintenance, with durable, weather-resistant materials defining its simple yet effective arrangement. There are no enclosed cabins or elaborate interior features; instead, the Captiva offers the pure, unadorned experience of sailing, with an accessible design that minimizes fuss and maximizes time on the water.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Escape Captiva frequently praise its solid construction and the forgiving nature of its polyethylene hull, which stands up well to the inevitable bumps and scrapes of learning and casual use. Many consider it an ideal first boat for children or for adults new to sailing, citing its ease of handling and stable platform as significant advantages. Its low maintenance requirements are also a recurring positive, as the roto-molded plastic eliminates concerns about gelcoat repairs or extensive brightwork upkeep.

However, some owners have noted specific areas for potential improvement or common maintenance points. Issues such as the original deck fittings or cleats for the centerboard sometimes requiring re-bedding or replacement to ensure secure retention are occasionally mentioned. Despite these minor points, the collective sentiment highlights the Captiva's success in delivering on its promise: an affordable, durable, and fun sailboat that genuinely lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring sailors.