Antrim 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Antrim 27 is defined by its ultra-light displacement and a technical profile optimized for planing. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 86.64, it is firmly categorized as an ultralight racer, designed to accelerate in even the lightest puffs. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, often calculated near 30 for the upwind plan and significantly higher when the massive masthead asymmetric spinnaker is deployed, indicates a boat that transitions to planing speeds with minimal effort.

Handling is characterized by a "big boat" feel despite its 2,600-pound displacement, a trait attributed to the deep bulb keel which provides substantial righting moment. A standout feature is the patented articulating bowsprit, which can be swung through a 60-degree arc from the cockpit. This allows sailors to optimize their wind angle while sailing deep off the wind, a versatility noted in editorial reviews as a significant safety and performance advantage over traditional fixed-pole or internal-tube systems. Performance enthusiasts often highlight its ability to achieve double-digit speeds downwind, with the boat frequently described as feeling like a large dinghy when surfing ocean swells.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While primarily a racing machine, the Antrim 27 features a surprisingly functional, albeit minimal, cuddy cabin designed for short-handed offshore passages or weekend adventures. The interior layout is integrated with the boat's structural requirements, specifically the centerline carbon keelson beam and the "A-frame" that supports the keel trunk. It offers a "sit-down" arrangement where four adults can sleep across a V-berth and two quarter-berths.

A unique design choice is the dedicated "stateroom" for the outboard motor—a compartment under the cockpit sole that isolates the engine from the living space when retracted. The cabin also includes a modest galley area and a sit-down head, which could be enclosed by a privacy curtain in some versions. Variations of the design exist, most notably the "Antrim 27C," a custom carbon-fiber version built for double-handed distance racing, which features a lighter hull skin and a heavier lead bulb to enhance stability for shorthanded sailing.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Antrim 27 has earned a storied reputation in the San Francisco Bay racing scene, consistently outperforming much larger yachts in both buoy and offshore races. The model gained national attention when designer Jim Antrim and two companions campaigned a standard 27 in the 2000 Pacific Cup, racing from San Francisco to Hawaii. Despite being the smallest boat in its class, the Antrim 27 finished first boat-for-boat, beating out vessels over 10 feet longer—a feat that cemented its status as a "giant killer" in the offshore community. Notorious hulls such as Always Friday and Arch Angel have maintained long-standing records in the Antrim 27 Class and major West Coast regattas.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the high-load areas typical of carbon-reinforced sportboats.

• Mast Step and Compression: Some early hulls were commissioned without the forward mast step bolt, leading to potential twisting of the mast. It is recommended to verify that a through-bolt or high-grade hex head is securely tying the mast step to the internal compression tube.
• Keel Fairing and Trunk: The retractable fin keel is a cored carbon-fiber blade. Check for delamination at the leading edge and ensure the lifting winch and its associated pulleys show no signs of structural wear or seizing.
• Rudder Gudgeons: Early production models utilized carbon gudgeons which, while light, were prone to cracking or building up play under extreme loads. Many owners have since retrofitted these with stainless steel hardware.
• Rigging and Spreader Angles: Because the boat lacks a backstay to allow for a large, high-roach mainsail, the aft-swept spreaders (angled at 28 degrees) take significant loads. Inspect the chainplates and the mast-bend profile for any signs of fatigue.

Community & Resources

The Antrim 27 Class Association remains the primary repository for technical knowledge, tuning guides, and class rules. Owners often share maintenance insights through the association’s dedicated technical wikis, focusing on everything from carbon mast tuning for the Ballenger aluminum vs. CST carbon rigs to optimizing kelp cutters for Pacific racing.

The Verdict

The Antrim 27 is an uncompromising sportboat that offers an exhilarating, high-speed sailing experience without sacrificing the basic requirements for overnight distance racing.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and effortless downwind planing.
• Articulating bowsprit provides a tactical advantage in varied wind angles.
• Trailerable design with a retractable keel simplifies storage and transport.
• Robust offshore pedigree for a boat of its size.

Cons:

• Minimal interior headroom requires "scooting" on the cabin sole.
• High-tension fractional rig requires careful tuning and maintenance.
• Carbon fiber components (keel and spars) can be expensive to repair if damaged.