Vanguard 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Vanguard 15 in 1992 marked a significant addition to the world of dinghy sailing. It was designed by the acclaimed naval architect Bob Ames, with contributions from Rod Johnstone, known for his work on other successful racing designs. The primary goal for the Vanguard 15 was to create a modern, high-performance one-design racer that was also easy to handle and robust enough for training and club racing. This design ethos aligned perfectly with LaserPerformance's manufacturing approach, which emphasizes durable fiberglass construction and consistent specifications to ensure fair competition. The boat’s inception during an era of expanding interest in accessible one-design racing further solidified its place in the market. There is no indication of significant variations or "Mk" versions during its production run, suggesting a consistent design has been maintained.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Vanguard 15, with its lean 200-pound displacement and a reported sail area of 127 square feet, is built for spirited performance. Its 15.25-foot length overall and long 15.0-foot waterline contribute to a theoretical hull speed of 5.19 knots, a speed easily surpassed when the boat gets up on a plane. As a fractional sloop with a daggerboard, the Vanguard 15 is known for its quick acceleration and ability to plane readily in moderate to heavy winds.

Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Vanguard 15 as a "super loose" boat with plenty of foil area, making it quite easy to control and keep under the mast, even when pushing hard. It offers a balanced feel and is responsive to helm adjustments. In lighter air, sailors often adjust the rig to sail "incredibly loose" to optimize performance. When the breeze builds, the boat can be exhilarating, often requiring active hiking from the crew to maintain an upright and fast posture, especially upwind. Its design allows for both competitive racing and enjoyable casual sailing, making it versatile for different skill levels and preferences.

Accommodations and Layout

As an open planing dinghy, the Vanguard 15 is designed purely for day sailing, racing, and training, and as such, it does not feature enclosed accommodations or significant headroom. The interior layout consists of an open cockpit designed for efficient crew movement and sail handling. The hull is constructed from durable fiberglass, providing a robust platform for the rigors of racing and frequent use. Buoyancy tanks are integrated into the hull for safety. The deck layout is clean and functional, with control lines typically led to allow for easy adjustment by the crew. Storage is minimal, limited to small bags or gear stowed in the cockpit or under the foredeck, which is typical for a boat of this type and purpose. Ventilation is, by nature, excellent due to its open design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners generally praise the Vanguard 15 for its solid construction and lively performance. Many appreciate its suitability for competitive one-design racing, as well as its capabilities as a fun and forgiving boat for teaching and recreational sailing. The ability to single-hand or sail with a crew of two to three (making a total of four passengers) is also a frequently cited advantage.

However, some common points of attention for prospective owners of older models include checking the daggerboard trunk for potential issues, as this has been noted as a common problem area. Owners also discuss various rigging setups and adjustments to optimize performance in different wind conditions, such as fine-tuning the jib and mainsheet systems. Despite a past challenge with the class website, the boat retains a dedicated community of sailors who value its blend of speed, durability, and accessibility.