Celebrity Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Celebrity begins in 1951 when Stan Evanson, the visionary behind Evanson (P.) Boat Co., encountered a sleek Dutch boat design from the 1920s during his travels in Northern Holland. Impressed by its lines, Evanson sought to bring a similar concept to the United States, leading to the inception of the Celebrity, with production commencing in 1952. The design goal was to create a "handsome, handy, able, dry, and fast centerboard daysailer".

Initially, Celebrity sailboats were constructed using traditional methods, featuring strip-planked mahogany hulls and spruce spars, reflecting the craftsmanship ethos of the era. After 1960, molded plywood became an option for construction. Over its production run, the design saw several key variations; both centerboard and fixed keel models were offered, with the fixed keel version having a draft of 2.92 feet and a displacement of 1100 lbs. By the 1950s, the design evolved to include an inboard, skeg-mounted rudder, and by 1972, Evanson was producing an all-fiberglass version of the Celebrity. Following Evanson Boat Co.'s operations, later builders like Hampton Shipyard in 1986 and Southport Island Marine continued the Celebrity's legacy.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Celebrity is noted for its engaging sailing characteristics. It is described as a "handy, able, dry, and fast centerboard daysailer," suggesting a responsive and enjoyable experience on the water. Owners and reviewers have characterized the Celebrity as being reasonably stable and stiff. While primarily a daysailer, its performance-oriented design, particularly in its earlier iterations, also lent itself to racing, indicating a boat that can be spirited and responsive in various conditions. Its fractional sloop rig contributes to ease of handling and sail control.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its overall length of 19.75 feet and a beam of 6.33 feet, the Celebrity sailboat offers modest accommodations, primarily focused on daysailing or simple overnight trips. While specific interior layouts are not extensively documented in available general information, boats of this size typically feature a cuddy cabin or a basic V-berth forward, providing minimal shelter and storage rather than extensive living quarters. The design prioritizes sailing functionality and performance over elaborate interior comforts, consistent with its role as an accessible small craft.

Owner's Perspectives

The Celebrity has cultivated a dedicated following among sailors, with owners frequently praising its solid construction and enjoyable sailing qualities. Online communities and forums dedicated to the Celebrity Class sailboats are active, indicating a strong camaraderie among owners who appreciate these classic vessels. Many owners undertake restoration projects, testament to the enduring appeal and robust build of these boats. While specific common maintenance issues are not widely reported, the age of many Celebrity models means that routine upkeep and potential restoration work, particularly on earlier wooden or composite versions, would be considerations for prospective owners.