The Red Witch 19 is a compact and enduring monohull sailboat, celebrated for its accessibility and practical design within the Australian sailing community. Designed by the notable Swedish naval architect Per Brohäll and built by Hill & Cameron Yachts, production of this 19.39-foot vessel began in 1972, with approximately 240 units built. Primarily conceived as a trailable yacht, the Red Witch 19 offered an entry point into recreational sailing, fostering a vibrant culture through its sturdy construction and user-friendly characteristics, particularly in Western Australia where it was designed to navigate under the major bridges of the Swan River. It has gained a reputation as a popular fixed-keel keelboat.
History and Design
The Red Witch 19 emerged during a pivotal era for recreational boating in Australia, when Hill & Cameron Yachts, operating from the early 1970s, focused on the burgeoning market for accessible trailable sailboats. The company became known for models that combined thoughtful naval architecture with durable fiberglass construction, a material that revolutionized boat building in the mid-20th century. The Red Witch 19, specifically, was designed by Per Brohäll, a Swedish naval architect renowned for his practical and often trailerable sailboat designs, 8, 11]. Brohäll's design philosophy often focused on creating small boats that were both functional and easy to construct, making sailing more attainable for a broader audience. The Red Witch 19 reflects this ethos, offering a fixed-keel design within a manageable 19-foot length overall, making it a "little keel boat" capable of being transported by trailer. Production commenced in 1972, with Hill & Cameron Yachts building around 240 of these popular vessels.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The Red Witch 19, with its fin keel and transom-hung rudder, is generally described as a stable and capable small sailboat. With a reported sail area of 169 square feet and a displacement of 1433 pounds, it offers a good balance for its size, suggesting reasonable performance in a variety of wind conditions. The 650 pounds of ballast, combined with its 4.17-foot max draft, contributes to its stability, allowing it to stand up to wind effectively. Owners have reported the Red Witch 19 to be a solid performer, with anecdotal evidence suggesting its capability even in offshore conditions. Its design, which includes a slightly more spacious hull compared to many similar sailboats, implies a comfortable and potentially forgiving ride. The fixed cast-iron keel further enhances its stability, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced sailors.
Accommodations and Layout
While detailed specifications for the interior of the Red Witch 19 are not extensively documented in the provided data, the design priorities of a trailerable cruiser of this size typically focus on maximizing usable space within its compact footprint. Reviews suggest that the Red Witch 19 is surprisingly spacious for its length, with one source indicating it is "more spacy than 58% of all other designs". Owners often praise the practicality of its layout for weekend cruising or day sailing. While exact headroom figures are not available, boats of this size usually offer sitting headroom in the main cabin, with a V-berth forward, and possibly two quarter berths in the main salon area. Given its production era and builder's focus on practicality, the interior would likely feature straightforward fiberglass finishes complemented by functional, perhaps minimalist, wood trim. Storage would be modest, focused on essentials for short trips, and ventilation would likely rely on a forward hatch and possibly a companionway opening.
Owner's Perspectives
The Red Witch 19 has cultivated a strong and active owner community, evidenced by the existence of the Red Witch Yachting Association. Owners consistently laud the boat's solid construction and its robust nature, making it a reliable choice for many years of sailing. Many appreciate its suitability as a fixed-keel boat that is still small enough to be trailered, offering versatility in choosing sailing locations. Forums and discussions among owners often highlight the boat's forgiving handling characteristics, making it an excellent platform for learning to sail or for casual cruising. Some owners have even reported using their Red Witch 19s for extensive offshore sailing, attesting to its surprising capabilities for its size. Common areas of discussion among owners often revolve around maintenance and upgrades for older vessels, as is typical for boats of its vintage, rather than inherent design flaws. The enduring popularity and dedicated association underscore the overall satisfaction and loyalty among Red Witch 19 owners.