Design and Construction
The Cal 36 is a 36-foot fiberglass sailboat with a 27-foot waterline, a 10-foot 4-inch beam, and a displacement of 11,200 pounds. C. William Lapworth drew the design, and Jensen Marine originally built it in the United States. Its 10-foot 4-inch beam provides the volume that allows the racing hull to serve as a cruiser.
History and Variants
Production of the Cal 36 started in 1966 and continued from 1966 onward. A shallow-draft variant, the Cal Cruising 36, was produced between 1968 and 1970.
The Cal brand ceased production in 1989, but the surviving fleet remains active in both racing and cruising.
Rig and Handling
The Cal 36 has a masthead sloop rig with the following dimensions:
- I: 42 ft
- J: 14.5 ft
- P: 36.5 ft
- E: 16.25 ft
The standard hull draws 5 feet 7 inches. Together with its 11,200 lb displacement, the known performance-oriented design supports the racing-and-cruising blend reflected in the fleet’s continued use.
Accommodations and Intended Use
The Cal 36’s cruising comfort makes this 1960s racer-cruiser suitable for living aboard. It was a popular choice for coastal and moderate blue water sailing, roles the surviving fleet still fills.
The Verdict
The Cal 36 is a Lapworth-designed fiberglass sloop that combines a fast hull with cruising comfort. Production began in 1966, and the shallow-draft Cal Cruising 36 variant was built from 1968 to 1970.
Pros
- Performance-oriented Lapworth design blending racing and cruising
- Active fleet still racing and cruising after the Cal brand’s 1989 closure
- Shallow-draft Cal Cruising 36 variant for draft-limited waters
Cons
- No later-generation Cal replacement after 1989
- Standard deep-draft hull draws 5 feet 7 inches
