HR 20 (Cygnus) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The HR 20's creation in 1963 marked a significant point in Canadian sailboat design, stemming from the drawing board of George Hinterhoeller. Hinterhoeller, a prominent figure in the Canadian marine industry, was celebrated for designing practical and capable recreational boats, including the widely recognized Shark 24. The HR 20 was initially built by Hinterhoeller Ltd. itself, with Clarkecraft of St. Catharines, Ontario, also contributing to early production.

As Hinterhoeller joined forces with other notable builders to form C&C Yachts, the tooling for the HR 20 was acquired by Skene Boats Ltd. of Ottawa. Skene Boats, founded by Donald Skene in 1968 and operating until 1992, established its reputation by embracing fiberglass construction for its durability and ease of manufacturing. The company specialized in producing smaller, accessible sailboats, such as the popular Albacore and International 420 dinghies. This made Skene a natural fit to continue the HR 20, now known as the Cygnus, ensuring its availability to a broader Canadian sailing community.

A notable design feature of the Cygnus HR 20 is its availability in two distinct keel configurations. The centerboard version offers a shallow minimum draft of just 0.67 feet, extending to a maximum of 2.67 feet when the board is deployed, paired with a light displacement of 600 pounds. This configuration is ideal for exploring shallow coves and allows for easy trailering and launching. Alternatively, a fixed cast iron keel version was offered, providing a draft of 2 feet 9 inches and a displacement of 950 pounds, appealing to those seeking greater stability and a more traditional sailing feel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cygnus HR 20, with a length overall of 20 feet and a waterline length of 17.5 feet, is designed as a small, easily managed sailboat. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.61 knots. As a lightweight monohull, particularly in its 600-pound centerboard configuration, the Cygnus HR 20 is likely to exhibit spirited performance in lighter winds and be highly responsive to helm input. The option of a fully retracting centerboard provides a significant advantage for reaching shallow anchorages and makes the boat suitable for dinghy-style sailing in varying depths. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are limited, boats of this size and type are generally praised for their simplicity, direct steering, and suitability for day sailing, learning, and club-level racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 20-foot length, the interior accommodations of the Cygnus HR 20 are inherently modest, designed primarily for day sailing with very basic provisions for minimalist overnighting. Information on specific interior layouts is scarce. However, typical for a boat of this size, it would likely feature a V-berth forward, suitable for two adults or as a storage area. The main cabin would consist of opposing settees, offering seating and potentially serving as additional berths. Standing headroom is not expected, and while the exact materials and finish quality are not widely documented for this specific model, Skene Boats generally utilized fiberglass construction, suggesting a durable and practical, albeit perhaps not luxurious, finish. Any galley or head facilities would typically be limited to portable solutions due to the boat's compact dimensions.