Antrim 27 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Antrim 27 is deeply rooted in the performance sailing ethos championed by its designer, Jim Antrim, and builder, Ultimate Sailboats. Production of the Antrim 27 commenced in 1996. Jim Antrim is recognized for a diverse design portfolio that includes record-breaking custom multihulls and monohulls, as well as popular production boats. His philosophy for the Antrim 27 incorporated successful features from the smaller Ultimate 20, aiming to create an innovative craft that blended sportboat performance with the possibility of overnight weekend sailing. Ultimate Sailboats, established by Jeff Canepa, collaborated with esteemed boatbuilder Ron Moore, known for ultra-light and fast boats, to ensure a commitment to high-performance construction. The company cultivated a reputation for producing exciting, high-performance racing sailboats, with the Antrim 27 being a key part of their product line alongside the Ultimate 20 and Ultimate 24. While there's a reference to a Carbon Antrim 27C as an update to the one-design Antrim 27, the primary production model appears to be the fiberglass version, and specific significant variations during its initial production run are not widely detailed.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Antrim 27 is characterized by its exceptionally high-performance sailing capabilities, a direct result of its design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 40.8, the boat is remarkably powerful for its displacement, indicative of a pure racing machine that excels in light air. Its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of around 0.40 provides a good level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its ample sail plan. Complementing this, a very low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 86.6 places it firmly in the ultra-light racing boat category.

This combination translates into a lively and quick vessel that is known for its speed and responsiveness. Owners and reviewers consistently praise its performance, noting that the Antrim 27 "owns in light air" and performs superbly against diverse fleets. Despite its high-performance nature, it is still considered easy to handle in a breeze, with anecdotal reports of reaching speeds over 16 knots in strong winds. The innovative hull form, combined with a deep bulb keel, contributes to a solid "big boat" feel and ample sail-carrying ability. The boat is designed with a lifting keel, further enhancing its versatility and allowing for shallower draft when needed. Its rudder system, featuring a "gudgeonless" patented attachment, is also a testament to its performance-oriented design.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily a sportboat focused on performance, the Antrim 27 offers a clever and workable interior layout, which is notable for a vessel of its type. Jim Antrim specifically designed the boat with features that allow for weekend sailing, including a dry and uninterrupted interior. Although exact headroom figures are not readily available in the provided data, the layout is configured to make the most of the space within its 9.25-foot beam. Descriptions of the interior highlight thoughtful integration of structural components, such as the keel trunk support, with the interior design, showcasing the designer's efficiency. Due to its nature as a high-performance racer, interior amenities are generally practical rather than luxurious, emphasizing functionality for a crew rather than extensive cruising comforts. Details regarding specific materials, storage capacities, or ventilation systems would typically be found in more detailed owner reviews or older brokerage listings, but the overall design intent was to provide a functional and comfortable enough space for short-term stays, bridging the gap between a pure day racer and a minimalist cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Antrim 27, also known as the Ultimate 27, consistently laud its exhilarating performance and lively handling, particularly highlighting its prowess in lighter winds. The boat is praised for its ability to perform well against a variety of other racing boats, solidifying its reputation as a competitive one-design racer. Despite its speed, owners generally find it manageable even in stronger breezes. The community surrounding the Antrim 27 (or Ultimate 27) remains active, participating in races and exchanging knowledge, which underscores the enduring appeal and quality of the design. The innovative design, including the lifting keel, is also appreciated for offering versatility. Common issues or specific weaknesses are not widely documented as recurring problems, suggesting a generally well-built and robust design for its intended purpose. Owners' discussions often revolve around tuning, maintenance, and racing strategies, rather than significant design flaws or chronic failures. The boat fosters a strong sense of community, reflecting a satisfied owner base.