Evolution 19 Information, Review, Specs

The Evolution 19 was conceptualized by Julian Everitt, a designer known for his prolific career in naval architecture, which began with Julian Everitt Yacht Design in 1966. The boat's production run spanned from 1975 to 1980, under the stewardship of Evolution Yachts Ltd. in Southampton, UK, with additional production by Production Yachts Pty.. Evolution Yachts Ltd. itself was founded in 1977 by Eric Reynolds and Julian Everitt, operating for a focused four-year period during which it concentrated on fiberglass sailboats.

Julian Everitt's design philosophy for the Evolution range, including the 19, emphasized creating versatile cruiser-racers. A hallmark of his approach was the incorporation of lifting or fully retractable keels, a feature prominently found on the Evolution 19. This innovative design choice provided significant advantages, such as enabling shallow draft capabilities for accessing shallower waters and facilitating easier storage or trailering, reflecting Everitt's goal of balancing performance with practical usability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Evolution 19, with its overall length of 19.0 feet and a waterline length of 16.0 feet, is designed as a moderate-weight sailboat. It features a fractional sloop rig and a lifting keel, which allows its draft to vary significantly from a minimum of 0.89 feet to a maximum of 4.53 feet. This variable draft is a key attribute, enabling the boat to navigate extremely shallow waters and even "take the ground upright".

While generally considered a moderate-weight vessel, the Evolution 19 is described as being very stable and stiff, indicating a good ability to stand up to wind. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.36 knots. The 900 lbs of iron ballast in its 2100 lbs displacement hull contributes to this reported stiffness and stability. The combination of a fractional rig and a lifting keel suggests a design geared towards both responsiveness and adaptability, offering a balance between performance and the convenience of shallow water access.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size at 19 feet overall, the Evolution 19's accommodations are necessarily modest, prioritizing functionality for day sailing or short coastal cruises. While specific interior layouts were not detailed in available information, it is typical for boats of this size to feature a basic open-plan cabin, potentially including a V-berth forward, minimal galley facilities, and perhaps a small head compartment or space for a portable toilet. The design's emphasis on a lifting keel would also influence the internal layout, likely minimizing fixed structures in the keel trunk area to allow for its retraction. Storage options would be limited but strategically placed to maximize the available space within the fiberglass hull and deck.