Paceship 20 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Paceship 20 can be traced to 1970, a period when Paceship Yachts Ltd. was establishing itself as a prominent fiberglass sailboat manufacturer. The company, which had been founded in 1962 following a rebuild of its plant to embrace fiberglass production, collaborated with renowned naval architects, including Cuthbertson & Cassian. This partnership led to the creation of the Paceship 20, a design that reflected the builder's focus on practical, accessible sailboats. While specific design philosophies for the Paceship 20 itself are not extensively documented, Cuthbertson & Cassian were known for their performance-oriented designs, and the Paceship 20 showcases this with its ultralight displacement and responsive handling. The boat was built with solid fiberglass for both the hull and deck, a testament to Paceship's early adoption and expertise in this modern material.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Paceship 20, with its compact dimensions, is known for its lively sailing performance. Designed as a fractional sloop, it features smaller headsails that contribute to easier tacking, a desirable characteristic for both casual and more active sailors. Described as a "very high performer," the boat benefits from its ultralight displacement of 800 pounds and a relatively long waterline of 17.2 feet, allowing it to move efficiently through the water [4,. Its design includes a centerboard keel, offering flexibility in draft from a shallow 0.58 feet for easy beaching or trailering to a maximum of 3.0 feet for enhanced upwind performance. Owners have noted its stability and stiffness, even reporting comfort in significant conditions, with one owner confidently sailing it in 50+ knot winds in Puget Sound. However, its ultralight nature and design also mean it has a low righting capability if capsized, a characteristic common to some high-performance, smaller dinghy-style vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a daysailer, the Paceship 20 offers a minimalist approach to accommodations. The interior is primarily characterized as an open daysailer design, featuring a substantial cockpit that is notably "huge" for its size, providing ample space for crew and gear. Forward, there is a cuddy cabin under the foredeck, which offers a sheltered area for storage or a simple reprieve from the elements. With no maximum headroom specified in its dimensions, it is clear that the Paceship 20 is not designed for standing headroom or extensive overnight cruising amenities like a dedicated galley or enclosed head, focusing instead on maximizing the open-air sailing experience and ease of use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Paceship 20 generally appreciate its solid construction and spirited sailing characteristics. The large cockpit is frequently highlighted as a significant advantage, providing comfortable space for several occupants during day trips. Sailors enjoy its responsiveness and the ease with which it handles, particularly benefiting from the fractional rig for convenient tacking. While primarily a daysailer, some owners have demonstrated its capability for more adventurous outings, successfully navigating demanding conditions. Although one anecdotal owner mentioned not frequently using their boat, another friend who owned a larger O'Day 30 offered a positive review of the Paceship 20's sailing qualities, underscoring its appeal within the sailing community. Prospective owners should be aware of its "low righting capability if capsized", which suggests it is best suited for sailors comfortable with a performance-oriented dinghy.