Blazer 23 (Kirby) Information, Review, Specs

The Blazer 23 emerged in 1988, designed by the prolific Canadian naval architect Bruce Kirby. Kirby, renowned for designing the iconic Laser dinghy, had a career spanning over forty years, with a philosophy often rooted in creating simple, performance-oriented sailboats. The Blazer 23 was conceived as a racer-cruiser, a design approach that aimed to offer both spirited sailing capabilities and the basic comforts for overnight trips. It is considered a cruising variant of the highly successful SONAR one-design, with modifications to the cabin and cockpit to facilitate more comfortable use.

The builder, Ontario Yachts, was founded in 1961 by Dirk Kneulman Sr. and Maria Kneulman, establishing a strong reputation for high-quality composite boat building. Having transitioned from traditional wooden boat construction to fiberglass, Ontario Yachts was well-versed in advanced composite manufacturing techniques by the time the Blazer 23 entered production. Their expertise in producing robust and performant vessels, including their role as North American builder for the Etchells class, aligned with the Blazer 23's design goals of durability and sailing performance. While specific details about production variations of the Blazer 23 are not widely documented, its close ties to the SONAR OD and Kirby 23 suggest a consistent design ethos throughout its production run. The production of the Blazer 23 by Ontario Yachts began in 1988 and continued, though it is now out of production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Blazer 23, with its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, is designed to offer a responsive and engaging sailing experience. Bruce Kirby's designs, generally known for their emphasis on performance, suggest that the Blazer 23 would likely exhibit agile handling characteristics. As a smaller keelboat, it is often described as a trailerable sailboat, implying a design that balances performance with ease of transport and launching. Anecdotal evidence suggests that boats of this design lineage, including the SONAR and Kirby 23, are typically well-balanced and provide enjoyable sailing across a range of conditions, though specific detailed owner accounts for the Blazer 23's handling are not extensively published.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length of 23 feet, the Kirby Blazer 23 was designed with a larger cabin compared to its SONAR counterpart, indicating an intent to provide more interior volume for cruising comfort. The interior layout of the Blazer 23 typically includes sleeping accommodations for up to four individuals. While specific headroom figures are not available, the extended trunk cabin would offer a more protected and potentially more spacious interior than a purely racing-focused dinghy. Grounded search indicates that the interior would likely feature a basic V-berth forward, a small salon area, and possibly a rudimentary galley and marine head, consistent with compact racer-cruisers of its era. The finish quality would reflect Ontario Yachts' reputation for solid fiberglass construction, which emphasized durability over luxury. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and ports, contributing to comfort during overnight stays. Detailed diagrams of the interior layout were not widely found during research.