Sailart 18-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sailart 18-2 made its world premiere in January 2020, replacing an earlier 18-footer from the shipyard's 1993 lineup. Designer Frank Störck's vision for the 18-2 was to break free from conventional design constraints, focusing on creating a boat that prioritizes functionality and sporty sailing characteristics while maintaining an unsinkable design. This ethos aligns perfectly with Sailart's longstanding reputation, established since its founding in 1993 by Störck, for producing high-quality, trailerable sailing boats with a distinct "Made in Germany" mark of craftsmanship. The shipyard's general philosophy centers on blending functionality with a sporty aesthetic, aiming for a thoughtful balance between low weight and impressive sail area to deliver performance without sacrificing user-friendliness.

The design of the Sailart 18-2 features a striking, almost aggressive upward-sloping chine originating from its wave-piercing bow, a signature element that contributes to its modern and athletic appearance. Constructed with a fiberglass hull and deck utilizing a Divinicell foam core, the boat benefits from durable, lightweight construction. While the 18-2 itself is a specific model, Sailart also offers a variant known as the Sailart 18 Sport, which builds upon the same successful hull lines with an even stronger emphasis on racing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Sailart 18-2 is engineered for lively and engaging sailing. It is specifically designed for sporty performance, with a high sail carrying capacity that hints at its regatta potential. The boat's light displacement of 1080 lbs combined with a reported sail area of 150.69 sq ft suggests an agile vessel capable of responding well to varying wind conditions. Its lead wing keel, offering a maximum draft of 4.27 ft (and a minimum of 0.82 ft due to its swing keel nature), contributes significantly to its stability and ability to stand up to a breeze.

Reviewers note that Sailart has placed a strong emphasis on functionality, which extends to the rudder design, contributing to the boat's excellent handling characteristics. Owners can expect a boat that is not only sporty but also very safe, owing to its final stability and unsinkable construction, where space under the forward cockpit is filled with foam. The fractional sloop rig, coupled with the option of a gennaker or Code Zero flown from a fixed bowsprit, further enhances its performance capabilities, making it an enjoyable boat for both casual daysailing and more competitive endeavors.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a performance-oriented daysailer and small cruiser, the Sailart 18-2 offers a compact but functional interior. While detailed specifications on headroom are not typically emphasized for boats of this size, the interior is best described as a "small cabin" providing basic shelter. The layout is generally functional, often featuring simple accommodations such as a V-berth forward, suitable for basic overnighting or seeking refuge from the elements. For the Sailart 18 Sport variant, the cabin is designed to be very functional, potentially even without cushions, underscoring its racing focus. The straight interior cabin is designed to allow for adequate light penetration, enhancing the sense of space within its compact footprint. The emphasis is on maximizing usable space for sailing gear and personal effects, rather than extensive cruising comforts, aligning with Sailart's design philosophy for transportable, fun small yachts.

Owner's Perspectives

As a relatively recent addition to the Sailart lineup, having been introduced in 2020, extensive owner reviews and long-term feedback for the Sailart 18-2 are still emerging. However, the broader reputation of Sailart boats suggests that owners of the 18-2 appreciate its "Made in Germany" quality, robust construction, and enjoyable sailing experience. Owners are likely drawn to its trailerability, ease of handling, and the ability to serve multiple purposes from casual sailing to racing. While specific common issues for the 18-2 have not yet become prevalent in public forums, Sailart's consistent focus on reliability and functional design generally translates into a high degree of owner satisfaction.