The X-21, a 26-foot fractional sloop, represents an early and foundational design from the renowned Danish builder X-Yachts, helmed by its prolific co-founder and designer, Niels Jeppesen. Launched in 1979, the same year X-Yachts itself was established, the X-21 was part of the initial wave of yachts that sought to blend exhilarating performance with the hallmarks of quality and precision that would become synonymous with the brand. Produced until 1994, this compact sailboat was conceived for those who appreciated spirited sailing in a smaller, yet robust, package.
X-21(jeppesen) Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- jeppesen
- Model
- X-21
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1979 - 1994
The genesis of the X-21 (Jeppesen) is intrinsically linked to the founding philosophy of X-Yachts, established by Niels and Lars Jeppesen and Birger Hansen in 1979. Niels Jeppesen, the design mastermind behind all X-Yachts models, envisioned yachts that were "fast and well-built". The X-21, appearing early in the company's production run (1979-1994), embodied this commitment to "stiffness, precision, and performance". While specific design goals for the X-21 are not extensively documented, it can be inferred that, like its successful contemporary the X-79, it aimed to offer an unparalleled sailing experience within its size category, emphasizing structural integrity and responsiveness. There is no readily available information indicating significant variations or different marks of the X-21 during its production run.
Sailing Performance and Handling
With a length overall of just over 26 feet and a waterline of 21 feet, the X-21 (Jeppesen) was designed for agile and spirited sailing. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring a 25-foot 'I' dimension and a 26-foot 'P' dimension, suggests a sail plan optimized for efficiency and ease of handling, allowing for finer tuning of sail shape. The boat's relatively narrow beam of 9.45 feet combined with a maximum draft of 4.0 feet and a fin keel indicates a design focused on upwind ability and tracking stability. The substantial ballast of 1,410 pounds within a displacement of 2,400 pounds suggests a stiff boat for its size, capable of standing up to a breeze and providing a stable platform for responsive handling. This robust construction is a hallmark of X-Yachts' design philosophy, prioritizing performance and structural integrity. Specific anecdotal reviews of the X-21's handling are limited, but the design principles from X-Yachts typically result in boats known for their balanced helm and predictable behavior in various sea states.
Accommodations and Layout
Information regarding the specific interior accommodations and layout of the X-21 (Jeppesen) is scarce. Given its modest length overall of 26 feet, it would primarily serve as a day sailor or a compact weekender. While maximum headroom details are not available, it is common for boats of this size from its era to offer limited standing headroom, focusing instead on functional spaces for sleeping, a basic galley, and perhaps a small enclosed head. Interior finishes would likely reflect the builder's commitment to quality, potentially featuring a blend of fiberglass and functional wood trim, typical of X-Yachts' earlier designs. Storage solutions would be compact, designed to maximize utility within the limited space.
Owner's Perspectives
Comprehensive owner reviews or detailed forum discussions specifically pertaining to the X-21 (Jeppesen) are not widely available. However, based on the general reputation of X-Yachts, owners typically praise their vessels for solid construction, impressive sailing performance, and a strong sense of build quality that stands the test of time. Any potential weaknesses common to the X-21 would likely be typical for boats of its age, such as maintenance requirements for original fittings or systems, rather than fundamental design or construction flaws.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Fin
- Rudder
- 1x —
- Ballast
- 1410 lbs
- Displacement
- 2400 lbs
- Water Capacity
- -
- Fuel Capacity
- -
Engine
- Engine Make
- —
- Engine Model
- —
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- —
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- —
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Fractional Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- 26 ft
- E (Main Foot)
- 8.5 ft
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- 25 ft
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- 7.7 ft
- Forestay Length (est)
- 26.16 ft
- Main Sail Area
- 110.5 sqft
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- 96.25 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 207 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- 206.75 sqft
Dimensions
- LOA
- 26.04 ft
- LWL
- 21 ft
- Beam
- 9.45 ft
- Draft
- 4 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 6.14 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 709.08