Gloucester 18 (Whitecap) Information, Review, Specs

The Gloucester 18 (Whitecap) entered production around 1974, with its manufacturing run extending until approximately 1984. It was first introduced as the "Whitecap" under the Lockley-Newport brand, before being re-designated as the "Gloucester 18" when the company transitioned to Gloucester Yachts. It is important to distinguish this model from another Gloucester 18, which was a re-branding of the Buccaneer 18.

Designer Harry R. Sindle envisioned the Gloucester 18 (Whitecap) as a dedicated day sailer, aiming for a design that offered engaging performance in a compact, trailerable package. Its builder, Lockley Newport Boats and its successors, were known for producing sturdy and practical fiberglass sailboats, aligning with the mid-20th century trend towards durable, low-maintenance recreational vessels. The company's manufacturing ethos focused on making sailing accessible, producing boats like the Gloucester 18 (Whitecap) with solid fiberglass hulls and decks.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 18.0 feet and a waterline length of 16.5 feet, the Gloucester 18 (Whitecap) is characterized by its ultralight displacement of 750 pounds, with 125 pounds of ballast. This design contributes to its identity as a very high-performance vessel for its size, making it particularly well-suited for racing.

Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and a centerboard keel, the Gloucester 18 (Whitecap) offers both excellent upwind capability when the board is deployed and a minimal draft of just 0.67 feet when retracted, facilitating easy launch, retrieval, and shallow-water access. While described as stable and stiff, its ultralight nature and design as a performance day sailer suggest it is responsive and agile, offering an exciting ride in various conditions. The boat's reported hull speed is 5.44 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated day sailer, the Gloucester 18 (Whitecap)'s accommodations are intentionally minimalist, prioritizing cockpit space and sailing performance over extensive interior living areas. While specific interior details are limited, boats of this size and purpose typically feature a compact cabin primarily offering storage for gear or very basic shelter. It is designed for short excursions rather than extended cruising, meaning amenities for overnighting are either absent or very spartan. The focus remains on the open-air sailing experience and ease of handling.