The boat’s construction is highly focused on weight-saving and structural rigidity, utilizing a vacuum-infused fiberglass and PVC foam sandwich laminate. True to its racing pedigree, there is virtually no interior joinery to speak of. The small cabin is a spartan, unfinished composite shell primarily used for dry storage of sails and safety gear, though it can provide shelter for overnight "raid-style" coastal camping. This minimalist approach keeps the vessel incredibly light and ensures that all manufacturing investment went directly into its structural integrity and high-quality deck hardware.
Variations & Configurations
Throughout its production life, the Speed Feet 18 has been offered in two primary configurations that cater to different styles of sailing. The Regatta version is the high-performance benchmark, featuring a deep lifting sabre keel, high-aspect twin rudders, and a carbon fiber mast and boom. This setup carries a generous sail plan with a square-top mainsail and an asymmetrical spinnaker flown from a retractable carbon bowsprit.
The Centerboard (often designated as "CB") or "Raid" version was developed to offer a more forgiving and versatile platform. This configuration utilizes a pivoting centerboard instead of a vertical lifting daggerboard, which significantly reduces the risk of structural damage during accidental groundings. The Raid version typically steps a robust aluminum mast with a slightly reduced sail plan. This modification tempers the boat's aggressive nature, making it far easier to manage single-handed, while the shallow minimum draft allows sailors to beach the boat on sandy shores or navigate thin coastal waters with ease.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing dynamics of the Speed Feet 18 are defined by its radical, lightweight design parameters. With an exceptionally low displacement of just 926 pounds, the hull sits right on top of the water. When paired with its expansive rig, the boat boasts a staggering sail area-to-displacement ratio of 42.61, indicating a power-to-weight ratio that rivals high-performance racing dinghies. Under sail, this translates to immediate acceleration; the boat transitions to a plane in as little as eight knots of true wind. Its displacement-to-length ratio of 70.88 further confirms its status as an ultralight planing hull that minimizes drag and maximizes dynamic lift.
At the helm, the twin rudders provide absolute control and razor-sharp steering feedback, even when the boat is pressed hard under a large asymmetrical spinnaker. However, this performance comes with the need for active crew participation. With a capsize screening ratio of 3.35, the Speed Feet 18 has a wide, stable beam but relies heavily on crew weight and quick mainsheet trimming to stay upright in gusty conditions. Its incredibly low comfort ratio of 4.85 indicates that the boat will transmit every wave and ripple directly to the crew. It is a lively, athletic ride that demands concentration, but rewards helm and trim adjustments with immediate, exhilarating speed.
Market Standing & Refit Economics
On the brokerage market, the Speed Feet 18 is a highly sought-after model among club racers and speed-oriented day sailors, particularly in European waters where the class association remains active. It maintains its value well because of its dual identity as a competitive one-design racer and an easily trailered day boat. Because the boat can be stored on a trailer in a driveway or yard, owners bypass the high annual slip and winter storage fees associated with larger keelboats, making the overall cost of ownership remarkably low.
Refit economics for a used Speed Feet 18 are generally straightforward due to the simplicity of the vessel. The primary expenses facing buyers of older models are sail replacement and trailer maintenance. Because performance is so central to the boat's appeal, blown-out dacron sails will severely degrade its handling, and investing in high-quality laminate sails is a common and necessary upgrade. Mechanically, there are no complex inboard engines or plumbing systems to maintain; auxiliary power is typically provided by a small, lightweight outboard motor mounted on a removable transom bracket.
Known Issues & Maintenance
Despite the high quality of the vacuum-infused hulls, there are specific areas that require close inspection. On Regatta models equipped with the vertical lifting sabre keel, the keel trunk is a high-load area. Over time, the tight tolerances between the keel fin and the trunk can wear down, leading to play, vibration, or thumping when sailing. Owners must regularly inspect and occasionally replace the low-friction internal shims or guide plates inside the trunk to maintain a snug fit.
The twin rudder assemblies also endure significant leverage, particularly when sailing at high speeds downwind. The transom gudgeons and pintles should be checked for any signs of hairline cracking or movement in the backing plates. Finally, because these boats are frequently ramp-launched and trailered, the hull bottom should be inspected for cosmetic gelcoat chipping or scratches from bunk rollers, which can allow water absorption if left unaddressed.
The Verdict
The Speed Feet 18 is a masterful blend of offshore racing design and small-boat accessibility. It is not a cruising boat, nor is it a forgiving platform for novice sailors looking for a relaxing afternoon drift. Instead, it is an athletic, high-feedback sportsboat designed for those who measure a successful day on the water in knots and planing time. For the sailor who wants maximum speed per foot of waterline without the logistical headache of a larger racing yacht, this Marc Lombard creation remains an elite choice.
Pros:
- Incredible light-air acceleration and effortless downwind planing performance.
- Twin rudders offer exceptional steering authority and control at high heel angles.
- Easily trailered and ramp-launched, dramatically lowering annual storage and maintenance costs.
- High-quality vacuum-infused hull construction ensures excellent stiffness and longevity.
- Active class association and strong community support, particularly in Europe.
Cons:
- Minimalist cabin offers virtually zero cruising comfort or amenities.
- Low ultimate stability requires active mainsheet trim and physical effort from the crew in heavy air.
- High-load areas like the keel trunk require periodic shim replacement to prevent keel wobble.
