Jolly Roger 23 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Jolly Roger 23 began its production run in 1968, emerging from the Windward Yachts facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The builder, Windward Yachts, specialized in smaller fiberglass sailboats during its operational period, contributing to the American sailboat manufacturing landscape. Designed by maritime architect Ken Broyles, the Jolly Roger 23 reflects the design ethos of the late 1960s, a time when fiberglass construction was becoming prevalent for recreational boats, offering durability and ease of maintenance. While specific details about Broyles' philosophy for this particular model are scarce, the design highlights an intention to create a characterful yet economical cruising yacht, albeit in a more compact size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 23.33 feet and a waterline length of 17.42 feet, the Jolly Roger 23 is built with a long keel and a fiberglass hull, contributing to its robust construction. This design choice provides better directional stability compared to boats with fin keels, which can be advantageous for cruising. The boat's displacement of 2,350 pounds suggests a lighter build for its length, contributing to its reported "speedy hull design" characteristics. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 5.59 knots. Owners and reviewers have noted that while it offers good stability, its comfort ratio is considered just below average when compared to similar sailboats, indicating a potentially more responsive, rather than heavily damped, motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Windward Yachts Jolly Roger 23 is limited in publicly available records. However, typical for compact cruisers of its era and size, one might expect a basic cabin arrangement. Such layouts commonly include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and potentially a head, designed to maximize functionality within a confined space. Given Windward Yachts' specialization in fiberglass construction, the interior finish would likely have utilized a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, balancing durability with a traditional aesthetic.

Important Note:

While the name "Jolly Roger" is also associated with various boat plans and sailing clubs, the information presented here specifically pertains to the Jolly Roger 23 sailboat designed by Ken Broyles and built by Windward Yachts of Jacksonville, Florida.