Design and Construction
At 19 feet 6 inches overall and 8 feet 6 inches abeam, the Miracle 20 weighs just 420 pounds. Groeneveld’s hull form combines efficient, hydrodynamic hulls with elongated daggerboards that extend deep into the water for lift and lateral resistance.
The hulls use fiberglass-and-foam sandwich construction, a light, stiff layup that keeps weight low enough for the cat to plane and accelerate hard. Its displacement-to-length relationship favors speed rather than load-carrying ability. With a capsize ratio of 4.61, the Miracle 20 is unambiguously a racing boat.
Rig and Handling
The 250-square-foot sail plan is carried on a 29-foot-6-inch mast, creating a powerful, high-aspect-ratio rig that rewards athletic crew work. Together, the sail plan and deep daggerboards deliver maximum power and acceleration with exceptional handling.
Standard equipment includes a colored Mylar, race-ready mainsail; a white, tri-radial Dacron jib; and a furling jib, all managed through Harken blocks. A Comptip mast adds a measure of safety while preserving performance in high winds. The double-trapeze system lets both crew get their weight outboard for greater righting moment.
Owners could also specify an optional spinnaker rig and a roller-furling jib for varied downwind and short-handed conditions.
Cockpit and Accommodations
There are no cabins or berths on this 420-pound racing cat. The Miracle 20 is strictly a day racer for a crew of two. Its broad, 8-foot-6-inch platform and kick-up rudders are intended to make beaching and righting straightforward, rather than provide enclosed living space.
White hulls with colored graphics were standard. Colored hulls were optional for owners who wanted a more distinctive look on the starting line.
Equipment and Options
The Miracle 20 came from the factory well equipped for club racing. Its standard kit included adjustable kick-up rudders for easy beaching, Harken blocks, a double trapeze, and the composite Comptip mast.
The sail inventory—Mylar mainsail, tri-radial Dacron jib, and furling jib—made the boat’s racing purpose clear. Optional Hobie Cat sail colors and colored hulls allowed owners to personalize the platform without changing its character.
The Verdict
The Miracle 20 is a purpose-built racing catamaran that demands competent, athletic sailors. In return, it offers acceleration and handling that few 20-foot cats can match. Its foam-sandwich construction and deep daggerboards make it a serious one-design contender rather than a casual beach toy.
Pros
- Efficient, hydrodynamic hulls and elongated daggerboards provide strong upwind grip
- Powerful, high-aspect-ratio 250 sq ft rig on a 29'6" mast
- Double trapeze lets both crew contribute to righting moment
- Light 420 lb construction, with kick-up rudders for easy beaching and righting
- Race-ready standard equipment, including a Mylar mainsail, Dacron jib, Harken blocks, and Comptip mast
Cons
- Intended for advanced sailors, not novices or casual cruisers
- Minimal accommodation, with no provision for overnighting
