Abbott Soling Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · fin

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

26.75' · 8.15 m

Disp.

2,277 lbs · 1,033 kg

First year

1966

The Soling is a definitive international racing keelboat, famously serving as the threeperson Olympic class from 1972 through 2000. Designed by Jan Herman Linge in 1963, the boat was envisioned as a more accessible, transportable alternative to the 5.5 Metre class, winning a design competition held by the International Yacht Racing Union (now World Sailing). While builders like Borresen in Denmark dominated the European market, Abbott Boats in Sarnia, Ontario, became the primary North American powerhouse for the class. Under the direction of Bill Abbott Sr. and Bill Abbott Jr.—the latter an Olympian and multitime World Champion—Abbott Solings earned a reputation for exceptional build quality and a competitive edge that kept them at the front of the fleet for decades. The design is characterized by its narrow hull, deep fin keel, and a spade rudder, all of which contribute to a vessel that is exceptionally sensitive to trim and helm.