Alacrity 670 (Alacrity 22) Information, Review, Specs

The Alacrity 670's story begins in 1975, coinciding with Russell Marine Ltd.'s partnership with US-based Catalina Yachts. During this period, Russell Marine, under the leadership of Des Pollard, had already established a reputation for producing sturdy, practical, and affordable small fiberglass cruisers, embracing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction early on. The collaboration led Russell Marine to produce several Catalina models under license, rebranding them for the European market as the "Jaguar" series. Consequently, the Alacrity 670 (Alacrity 22) is essentially the Jaguar 22, which itself was based on Frank V. Butler's iconic Catalina 22 design, first introduced in America in 1969.

Frank Butler's design philosophy for the Catalina 22, which extended to its European variants, focused on creating a good-performing, trailerable sailboat that was easy to own and sail, thus making yachting accessible to many. While the lists a "wing" keel, the Alacrity 670 (Alacrity 22) is more widely known to have been offered with a swing keel, allowing for shallow water access and easier trailering, a characteristic shared with its Catalina 22 lineage. Some versions of the Catalina 22 also offered a fixed fin keel, providing enhanced maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 21.5 feet and a displacement of 2,250 pounds, the Alacrity 670 is considered a light sailboat that offers good performance for its size. Its masthead sloop rig, featuring a total sail area of approximately 205 square feet, contributes to its lively handling. She is generally described as stable and stiff, providing a secure feel for sailors. The design prioritizes ease of handling, making it a suitable choice for beginners, weekend sailors, or those transitioning from dinghy sailing. Boats equipped with a fin keel tend to offer splendid maneuverability. The boat's trailerable nature, often enhanced by a swing keel, allows for exploration of diverse waterways and convenient storage.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Alacrity 670 (and its Catalina 22 counterpart) was designed to offer practical accommodations for overnight and weekend cruising. The interior typically features a V-berth forward, which can serve as a sleeping area or additional seating. A small head area, often separated by a privacy curtain, is usually located between the V-berth and the main salon. The salon commonly includes a dinette arrangement with settees that can convert into berths, maximizing sleeping capacity. A basic galley area, usually situated near the companionway, would include space for a small stove and a sink, though amenities would be rudimentary to conserve space. To enhance standing headroom in the cabin, many designs of this type, including the Catalina 22, incorporated a "pop-top" feature, allowing the cabin roof to be raised while at anchor. This clever design maximizes livability without compromising the boat's low profile for trailering. Storage is typically found beneath berths and in small lockers. The overall finish tends to be functional, favoring fiberglass liners with some wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Alacrity 670, Alacrity 22, and Jaguar 22 frequently praise its suitability as an accessible family cruiser and a forgiving boat for those new to sailing. Many appreciate its solid construction and its ability to provide enjoyable day sailing experiences. The ease of launching and retrieving due to its trailerable design is also a significant advantage often highlighted by owners.

However, common issues noted by some owners, particularly concerning earlier models with lifting or swing keels, include potential problems with the lifting mechanism or a tendency for the keel box to develop leaks. As with many older fiberglass boats, general maintenance, such as re-bedding original deck fittings to prevent leaks, is also a recurring theme in owner discussions. Despite these minor considerations, the enduring popularity of the Alacrity 670 and its variants attests to its fundamental soundness and the fulfilling sailing experiences it continues to offer.