Sunshine 22 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Sailcraft Sunshine 22 in 1979 marked Sailcraft Ltd.'s venture into producing a monohull directly influenced by the popular IOR Mini Ton class. Sailcraft, co-founded by Reg White and Rodney March in 1967, had established a strong reputation for high-performance sailing craft, including the Olympic-class Tornado catamaran, and was known for its embrace of fiberglass construction. The company's manufacturing ethos emphasized innovative design and efficient production, qualities evident in the Sunshine 22. Scott Kaufman, the designer of the Sunshine 22, crafted a boat that incorporated the racing philosophy of the IOR mini-ton era into a package accessible for a broader sailing audience. This class typically emphasized strong upwind performance and responsiveness, characteristics likely inherited by the Sunshine 22. Information on significant variations or MkI/MkII versions during its production run is not readily available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sailcraft Sunshine 22's design ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 20.20, the Sunshine 22 is well-powered, suggesting a boat that will be lively and perform well in light to moderate winds. This ratio indicates a strong sail plan relative to its weight, enabling quick acceleration and good speed. Its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio stands at 40.91%, which is a respectable figure for a boat of its size and type, suggesting good initial stiffness and stability to stand up to a breeze. The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of 184.02 classifies the Sunshine 22 as a moderate displacement vessel. This balance suggests a boat capable of reasonable speed while also providing a relatively comfortable motion in a seaway, rather than being an ultra-light, skittish racer. Given its IOR mini-ton inspiration, the Sunshine 22 is expected to be responsive at the helm and capable of pointing well upwind, characteristics prized in racing designs of that era. Its fin keel and spade rudder contribute to its maneuverability and direct steering feel.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the precise interior layout and maximum headroom of the Sailcraft Sunshine 22 is not extensively documented. However, consistent with a 22-foot sailboat designed with IOR racing influences from the late 1970s, the accommodations would likely be functional rather than luxurious. Typically, such vessels feature a basic V-berth forward, a compact salon area that might include bench seating convertible to berths, and a small galley area with simple cooking facilities and storage. A marine head would likely be present, possibly integrated or located in the forward cabin. The interior finish would most probably consist of molded fiberglass liners with some wood trim accents, prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance over opulent aesthetics. Given its relatively narrow beam for a modern 22-footer (8.16 ft), interior volume would be modest, making it suitable for weekend cruising or short-term coastal adventures for a small crew.

Owner's Perspectives

While detailed, specific owner reviews and common problem discussions for the Sailcraft Sunshine 22 are scarce, the general characteristics of IOR mini-ton inspired boats often highlight their enjoyable sailing performance and responsiveness. Owners of similar vessels from the era frequently praise their ability to sail close to the wind and provide an engaging experience. As with any older fiberglass boat, potential maintenance considerations for a Sunshine 22 would likely include inspection of the balsa-cored hull and deck for moisture intrusion, which can lead to delamination, and checking the condition of original rigging and deck hardware. The inherent simplicity of a boat of this size often contributes to lower overall maintenance costs compared to larger, more complex vessels.