Gazelle 22 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design Brief & Intent

The primary mission of the Gazelle 22 was to deliver spirited club racing and weekend pocket-cruising capabilities without the logistical headaches of a larger yacht. Built by Ontario Yachts between 1980 and 1984, the model featured hand-laid fiberglass construction and a high-quality fit-out that contrasted sharply with the thin-laminate, production-line trailerables of the era. Its traditional aesthetic belies a highly functional design. Below deck, Cuthbertson maximized the modest interior volume by utilizing a straightforward layout consisting of a forward V-berth, twin quarter berths, and a minimal galley setup. The joinery and trim reflect the builder's commitment to durability and quality, utilizing solid wood elements where competitors used cheap laminates. The boat was built to order in small numbers, with only about 25 to 30 hulls completed before the shipyard closed its doors, making each surviving unit a rare artifact of Great Lakes maritime history.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The performance of the Gazelle 22 is defined by its nimble handling and C&C-inspired speed. Striking a balance as a light racer-cruiser, the boat features a displacement-to-length ratio of 168.1, allowing it to accelerate rapidly in light to moderate breezes. With a generous sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 20.44, the fractional sloop rig carries plenty of canvas relative to the hull's weight, ensuring that the boat remains lively and responsive even on hot summer days when other heavy cruisers are forced to motor.

At the helm, the Gazelle 22 feels like a high-performance dinghy, utilizing a deep lead fin keel and an internally mounted spade rudder to track cleanly and tack with exceptional speed. Because lead is significantly denser than iron, the low-profile keel lowers the center of gravity efficiently without adding excessive drag. However, this lively nature requires an active crew. The comfort ratio of 11.77 indicates that the lightweight hull is highly sensitive to waves and passenger movement, translating to a quick, motion-heavy ride in open-water chop. Furthermore, its capsize screening ratio of 2.3 reflects its wide beam and low displacement, signaling that while it is an exceptional, highly stable choice for protected bays, lakes, and coastal waters, it lacks the ultimate righting energy required for serious offshore passages.

Market Snapshot & Economics

Given that fewer than thirty units were ever built, finding a Gazelle 22 on the brokerage market requires patience. When they do appear, they typically trade at a modest value relative to their initial build quality, representing a highly economical entry point for sailors who appreciate pedigree design. Because of its compact scale, the economics of ownership are remarkably favorable. The boat is designed for outboard propulsion, eliminating the high maintenance, winterization, and replacement costs of a diesel inboard. Furthermore, its trailerable beam and draft mean owners can avoid costly annual slip fees and shipyard storage by trailering the boat home for the winter. Prospective buyers should focus on the condition of the deck cores and the integrity of the standing rigging, as replacing these components can quickly exceed the purchase price of the vessel.

The Verdict

The Gazelle 22 is an elegant, well-built pocket cruiser that successfully packages C&C's racing DNA into a trailer-friendly footprint. It is ideal for couples, solo sailors, or local club racers looking for an engaging helm experience without the financial burden of a larger keelboat.

Pros

Spirited performance and exceptional light-air acceleration
Premium construction and high-quality lead ballast built by Ontario Yachts
Trailerable size allows for flexible cruising destinations and cheap winter storage
Simplified mechanical systems reduce long-term ownership costs

Cons