Spirit 21 (6.5) Information, Review, Specs

Designed by Hank Hinckley, and sometimes also credited to Robert Finch, the Spirit 21 (6.5) represents an interesting chapter in Glastron's history, showcasing their brief foray into the sailboat market through the acquisition of existing tooling.

History and Design

Production of the Spirit 21 (6.5) commenced in 1977, marking Glastron's entry into sailboat manufacturing. While Glastron built its formidable reputation on innovative fiberglass powerboats and mass production, their involvement with sailboats was an anomaly. The 'Spirit' line, including the Spirit 21, was not an in-house design from the ground up, but rather utilized tooling purchased from another company, North American Yachts. This acquisition allowed Glastron to leverage its expertise in fiberglass construction for a different segment of the marine market, though their core focus remained powerboats. The Spirit 21 itself carried several aliases, also being known as the Spirit 6.5, Glastron Spirit 6.5, North American 21, and American Spirit 6.5, reflecting its lineage and builder. A notable design feature of the Spirit 21 is its "Pop Top" cabin roof, which significantly enhances interior headroom when raised.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Spirit 21 (6.5) is characterized as a light displacement sailboat with a masthead sloop rig. Its design includes a wing keel, contributing to its stability and performance. For a boat of its size, the Spirit 21 is noted for carrying a substantial amount of sail area, being described as having "more rig than 92% of all similar sailboats," which suggests it is designed to be well-powered, potentially leading to spirited performance in lighter winds. Those who have experience with the model describe it as a "very decent sailing boat," indicating capable and predictable handling characteristics for its class.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just over 21 feet, the Spirit 21 (6.5) offers a surprisingly accommodating interior, reportedly being "more spacy than 62% of all other designs" in its similar sailboat category. A key feature contributing to its livability is the "Pop Top" cabin, which allows for adjustable headroom. With the Pop Top down, the interior offers 4.33 feet of headroom, suitable for sitting or crouching. When raised, the Pop Top extends the headroom to a more generous 6.17 feet, greatly enhancing the feeling of space and comfort within the cabin. While specific details on the interior layout, finish quality, and material usage for the Spirit 21 are limited in general review, the focus on maximizing usable volume through the Pop Top design suggests an emphasis on practical cruising amenities for a boat of its scale.