Mull Microsail Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Microsail is defined by an aggressive power-to-weight ratio that favors light-air performance and off-wind planing. With a displacement of approximately 600 kg (1,323 lbs) and a fractional rig, the boat behaves more like a large dinghy than a traditional keelboat. The hull features a relatively flat aft section and a wide beam for its length, allowing it to plane early when under spinnaker. According to technical documentation from the International Micro Cupper Class Association, the boat was designed to fit the "box rule" of the Micro Class, which mandates a maximum sail area of 18.5 square meters.

Handling is exceptionally responsive, though the boat is known to be tender. In breezes above 12 knots, the crew must be active on the side decks to maintain a flat sailing attitude. The lifting keel version, which features a 220 kg cast-iron bulb, provides a draft of 1.10 meters when fully extended, offering decent upwind tracking. However, in heavy gusts, the boat’s light displacement means it can be overpowered quickly if not reefed early. Owners often describe the sensation of helming a Microsail as "vibrant," noting that it provides immediate feedback through the tiller, making it an excellent platform for sailors looking to hone their trimming skills.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its diminutive 5.5-meter (18-foot) length, the Microsail was engineered to meet the Micro Class requirement for "internal volume," which famously led to the inclusion of four berths. The interior is predictably spartan and serves best as a "hard-sided tent" for weekend regattas rather than extended cruising. The layout consists of a V-berth forward and two narrow quarter berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats. Headroom is minimal, and most tasks onboard—such as cooking on a single-burner gimbaled stove or navigating—must be done while seated on the cabin sole.

Jeanneau produced three primary variations of the Microsail to suit different sailing styles. The "Sport" version was the most performance-oriented, often featuring a lighter interior and a more complex fractional rig. The "Touring" (or Grand Tourisme) version included slightly more refined interior liners and cushions, aimed at the weekend sailor. Technically, the boat was offered with two keel configurations: a lifting keel (dériveur) for easy trailering and shallow-water access, and a rarer fixed-keel (quillard) version which offered slightly more stability at the expense of portability.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Synthesized from historical owner discussions and technical class reports, potential buyers should focus on the following high-signal areas:

1. Keel Winch and Cable: On lifting keel models, the manual winch and stainless steel cable are prone to corrosion and fraying. Because the keel is heavy (over 200 kg), a failure here can be catastrophic for the hull structure.
2. Deck Delamination: Like many Jeanneau models from the early 1980s, the Microsail utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should check for "soft spots" around the mast step and the chainplates, which indicate water ingress and core rot.
3. Rudder Gudgeons: The high loads generated when the boat planes can cause the rudder pintles and gudgeons to work loose or develop significant "play." This leads to a vibrating tiller and loss of steering precision.
4. Keel Trunk Leaks: The interface between the lifting keel trunk and the hull is a common stress point. Inspection for hairline cracks or evidence of past fiberglass repairs is essential, particularly if the boat has been campaigned heavily in racing.

Community & Resources

The boat remains a staple of the European racing circuit. Technical support and class rules are primarily managed by the International Micro Cupper Class Association, which maintains the original measurement certificates and hosts annual world championships where the Microsail still competes in the "Racer" and "Cruiser" divisions.

The Verdict

The Mull Microsail remains a premier choice for sailors who prioritize performance and "ramp-to-water" versatility over interior luxury. It is a pure expression of Gary Mull’s ability to find speed within a restricted rule set.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and planing capability.
• Easily trailered and launched by a small crew.
• Strong class association and active racing community.
• Relatively low cost of entry for a "cabin" sailboat.

Cons:

• Extremely cramped interior with no standing headroom.
• Tender and physically demanding in heavy weather.
• Requires frequent maintenance of the lifting keel mechanism.