Mirage Yachts Ltd. carved a distinctive niche in the Canadian yachting landscape, renowned for producing sailboats that masterfully balanced competitive performance with comfortable cruising. From its inception in the early 1970s until its closure in 1989, the company, under the visionary leadership of Dick and Irene Steffen, left an indelible mark on the marine industry, particularly in North America.
Mirage Yachts Ltd. was founded in February 1972 by Dick and Irene Steffen in Pointe Claire, Quebec, a suburb of Montreal. Prior to establishing Mirage, the Steffens operated a high-volume C&C dealership. Dick Steffen, a keen racing sailor himself, recognized a gap in the market: C&C did not offer a model smaller than their 27-footer, and he desired a compact MORC (Midget Ocean Racing Club) boat for both racing and retail.
His request to C&C for a 24-foot design was turned down. Undeterred, Steffen purchased the design and set up his own manufacturing facility on the second floor of a rented building in Pointe Claire. This marked the birth of the Mirage 24, a fiberglass boat that quickly proved its worth on the race course, contributing significantly to its gratifying sales. Its racing prowess was so remarkable that even 15 years after its introduction, a Mirage 24 clinched the top spot in the production-built division at the MORC national championships. The success of the Mirage 24 was a pivotal moment, leading an "envious" C&C to introduce their own C&C 25, a design quite similar to the Mirage 24, though the Mirage continued to outperform it in races.
History and Evolution
The early success of the Mirage 24 allowed the company to grow rapidly. By 1975, Mirage Yachts relocated to a larger, 12,000 sq. ft. facility in nearby Vaudreuil, Quebec. This expansion was a testament to the increasing demand for their boats. The plant continued to grow, reaching 30,000 sq. ft. by 1979, with an additional 5,000 sq. ft. dedicated to spar manufacturing in Dorion, Quebec. Further expansion in 1983 saw the Vaudreuil plant increase to 35,000 sq. ft. to accommodate the production of new models.
A significant shift in Mirage's design strategy occurred when Dick Steffen was again turned down by the C&C design team for a larger model. He then forged a highly successful partnership with renowned American naval architect Robert Perry. This collaboration defined a decade of steady growth for Mirage, producing a series of well-regarded cruising yachts.
In the mid-1980s, the North American market saw a "French Invasion" of sailboats, characterized by avant-garde styling and spacious accommodations, even in smaller vessels. This, coupled with an advantageous exchange rate and minimal import duties, created a challenging environment for builders like Mirage. Despite the generally superb sailing qualities of models like the Perry-designed Mirage 30, sales began to disappoint. In response, Steffen sought out designs that could compete, leading to collaborations with French designer Philippe Harlé.
Mirage Yachts Ltd. ceased operations in 1989. The company was sold to a Montreal investor, who unfortunately went out of business shortly thereafter.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Mirage Yachts earned a reputation for building sailboats that struck a compelling balance between performance and family-friendly cruising. While their boats were undeniably at the "upper end of the performance scale," they were also celebrated as "wholesome family cruisers." This dual identity allowed Mirage to appeal to a broad range of sailors, from avid racers to those seeking comfortable adventures with their families.
The company's success was deeply intertwined with its collaboration with prominent naval architects. Robert Perry designed a core series of successful models for Mirage, including the Mirage 26, Mirage 27, Mirage 30, Mirage 32, and Mirage 35. These designs contributed significantly to Mirage's reputation for well-sailing, capable cruising yachts.
Another pivotal collaboration was with Canadian designer Bruce Kirby, famed for the Laser and International 14 dinghies. Kirby was commissioned by Dick Steffen to design racing boats specifically to challenge the dominance of J/Boats, resulting in the highly successful Kirby 25 and Kirby 30. These designs were characterized by their racing focus, with features like fractional rigs and running backstays allowing for precise sail shape control. The Kirby 25, for instance, featured a minimalist interior, prioritizing racing performance over extensive cruising amenities.
Later, Mirage turned to French naval architect Philippe Harlé, whose designs, such as the Mirage 29, Mirage 275, and Mirage 39, marked a shift towards styling and accommodations more in line with the "French Invasion" of the mid-eighties.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Mirage Yachts produced several iconic models that left a lasting legacy in the sailing community:
- Mirage 24: The foundational boat for the company, its racing success in the MORC class was instrumental in establishing Mirage Yachts.
- Mirage 26/27: Designed by Robert Perry, the Mirage 26 (introduced in 1976) was later stretched to become the Mirage 27 (introduced in 1980) without significant changes to its dimensions or displacement, offering roomy accommodations for its length.
- Mirage 30/32 Series: These Robert Perry designs, introduced in 1983 (Mirage 30) and 1987 (Mirage 32), were highly successful. The Mirage 32 is often considered an extended version of the Mirage 30, with the main difference being the measurement from pulpit to pulpit. They were known as excellent racer/cruisers.
- Mirage 33/35: Also designed by Robert Perry and introduced in 1983, these models were central to Mirage's growth, lauded as wholesome family cruisers. The Mirage 35 featured a reverse transom and was slightly heavier than the 33.
- Mirage 25 (Perry design): While less information is available about this specific model, it was part of the successful Perry-designed line of family cruisers.
- Kirby 25: This Bruce Kirby design, built between 1978 and 1983, was explicitly commissioned to compete with and "beat the J/24s." Over 200 (specifically 223) Kirby 25s were built. It gained a reputation as a "hot" and relatively inexpensive racer, known for its spirited performance and agile handling due to its fractional rig and bendy mast. Despite its racing focus, it provided minimalist sleeping accommodation for four.
- Kirby 30: Introduced in 1981, this Bruce Kirby design was Mirage's answer to the J/30, quickly gaining a reputation as a "rocket" on the water.
- Mirage 30SX: A modified version of the Kirby 30, designed by Bruce Kirby and introduced in 1985, the Mirage 30SX remains a highly competitive PHRF or MORC racer. It featured a different deck molding, a larger rig, and a deeper keel and rudder, making it more racing-oriented than the original Kirby 30.
- Mirage 29: Designed by Philippe Harlé and introduced in 1986, this model was an "instant success," with about 50 boats sold before the first hull even hit the water. Nearly 300 Mirage 29s were eventually built, characterized by a long waterline, minimal bow overhang, a relatively shallow cockpit, and a double aft cabin.
- Mirage 275 and Mirage 39: These subsequent designs by Philippe Harlé followed the success of the Mirage 29.
The Builder Today
Mirage Yachts Ltd. ceased production in 1989. The company's final sale to a Montreal investor proved short-lived, as the new owner quickly went out of business.
Despite the company's closure decades ago, Mirage sailboats maintain a presence in the used boat market, particularly in Canada. Owners of models like the Kirby 25 often form active communities, drawn to the boats' continued competitive performance and relative affordability. These boats are still sought after by sailors who appreciate their robust construction (predominantly fiberglass) and well-regarded sailing characteristics, whether for club racing or comfortable coastal cruising. The legacy of Mirage Yachts lives on in the durable and enjoyable sailboats that continue to grace waterways today.
