Twitchell 12 Information, Review, Specs

The Twitchell 12 was produced by W.D. Schock between 1991 and 1993, with a limited run of 27 units. During this period, W.D. Schock, under the original family ownership, was a prominent force on the U.S. West Coast, celebrated for its fiberglass sailboat manufacturing. The company's ethos, established by founder William "Bill" D. Schock, centered on producing accessible yet competitive sailing vessels. The Twitchell 12 perfectly aligned with this philosophy, reflecting designer Ron Holder's specific goal of creating a boat that offered both performance and user-friendliness for a wide range of sailors, including those who might find more traditional dinghies challenging. Its design emphasized features that minimized the need for vigorous physical maneuvers, contributing to a relaxed sailing experience.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While traditional performance ratios typically applied to larger keelboats are less relevant for a 12-foot dinghy like the Twitchell 12, its design priorities speak volumes about its on-water characteristics. With a reported sail area of 68 square feet and a lightweight displacement of just 165 pounds, the Twitchell 12 is described as a "fast little boat." Its fractional sloop rig and daggerboard keel contribute to its agility and responsiveness. The boat was specifically engineered with features that require "less movement on the part of the sailor," hinting at a balanced helm and forgiving nature. Anecdotal evidence suggests it may incorporate a self-tacking jib, further enhancing its ease of handling and making it an excellent choice for casual daysailing where simple maneuvers are desired. Its compact size and shallow minimum draft of 0.5 feet (with the daggerboard up) make it exceptionally easy to launch, retrieve, and navigate in skinny waters.

Cockpit and Features

Given its diminutive length overall of 12 feet, the Twitchell 12 naturally features an open cockpit layout, typical of a small daysailing dinghy. Instead of internal accommodations, the focus of its design is entirely on the ergonomics and functionality of the cockpit area. Ron Holder's design prioritized accessibility and comfort, aiming to reduce the physical demands on the sailor. This suggests a well-thought-out cockpit arrangement with clear pathways for lines and comfortable seating, intended to facilitate relaxed sailing without excessive movement. Constructed entirely of solid fiberglass for both hull and deck, the Twitchell 12 benefits from the robust and low-maintenance build quality for which W.D. Schock was well-known.