Roy 20 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel reflects the shipyard's core philosophy of balancing "fast sailing pleasure" with safety. Built predominantly in glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), the Roy 20 was designed to be easily handled by a single sailor or a small family, making it a foundational boat for many Argentine yachtsmen. Its production run contributed to Nautivela's dominance in the South American market before the yard transitioned away from new construction in 1991.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Roy 20 is recognized for its nimbleness and responsive helm, traits essential for the tactical river sailing common in its home waters. With a light displacement and a relatively generous sail plan for its size, the boat excels in light to moderate breezes. Its hull form features a moderately fine entry to pierce through chop, while the beam is carried far enough aft to provide stability when the wind freshens.

Handling is characterized by its simplicity; most Roy 20s were rigged with a fractional sloop arrangement, allowing for easy jibing and precise headsail trimming. Sailors frequently note that the boat feels like a larger dinghy in its responsiveness but possesses the secondary stability of a ballasted keel boat. While specific technical ratios like Sail Area/Displacement are not widely published in official brochures for this specific model, owner experiences suggest a boat that prioritizes agility over heavy-weather "plowing." It is a "feel" boat—one that communicates the state of the water and wind directly to the tiller, requiring active trimming to achieve its optimal speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest 20-foot length, the Roy 20 features a fully enclosed cabin that maximizes every inch of available volume. The layout is typical of the "pocket cruiser" era: a V-berth forward that doubles as a sleeping area for two, and two longitudinal settees in the main cabin that can serve as additional berths.

The interior is admittedly compact, with limited headroom that necessitates a "sitting-only" lifestyle once below decks. However, the use of wood accents—a hallmark of Nautivela’s craftsmanship—gives the cabin a warmer, more traditional nautical feel than many of its contemporary fiberglass competitors. Storage is found beneath the cushions and in small cubbies along the hull sides. While there is no dedicated galley in the modern sense, most owners utilized portable stoves and basic water jugs, reinforcing the boat’s identity as a weekend voyager rather than a long-term liveaboard. Unlike the Roy 38 or 43, which featured multiple private cabins, the Roy 20 remains an open-plan vessel, emphasizing shared space and simplicity.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Roy 20 should approach the vessel with the understanding that most examples are now 35 to 50 years old.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP boats of this era, the Roy 20 utilized a sandwich construction for the deck. Buyers should check for "spongy" areas around the mast step and chainplates, which indicate moisture intrusion and delamination of the core material.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the shallow waters of the Río de la Plata, many Roy 20s have experienced groundings. It is vital to inspect the internal floors and the keel bolts for signs of stress cracking or movement at the joint.
• Original Rigging: Many of these boats still carry their original or very old standing rigging. A thorough inspection of the swage fittings and the mast base for corrosion is mandatory before any serious sailing.
• Rudder Bushings: Owners often report play in the tiller over time. The rudder bushings are a common wear point and may require replacement to restore the boat’s signature "snappy" handling.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Roy 20 is preserved largely through the vibrant sailing community in Buenos Aires and the surrounding nautical clubs. While no formal international "Roy 20 Class Association" exists today, the boat is a staple of the Club de Veleros Barlovento and the Yacht Club Argentino circuits. Owners often share technical advice through regional Argentine forums and social media groups dedicated to "Veleros Clasicos" or the Nautivela brand. For technical support, some owners still look toward the Sly family’s continued involvement in the marine service industry in Tigre, Argentina, for historical insights and restoration advice.

The Verdict

The Roy 20 is a quintessential pocket cruiser that offers a high "fun-to-cost" ratio for sailors who appreciate classic lines and honest handling.

Pros:

• Agile Performance: Exceptionally responsive and rewarding to sail in light winds.
• Robust Pedigree: Built by a premier Argentine yard known for safety and quality.
• Ease of Ownership: Small enough to be maintained on a modest budget and potentially trailered.

Cons:

• Cramped Quarters: Limited headroom and minimal amenities make it unsuitable for more than weekend trips.
• Aging Fleet: Most units will require some level of restoration or modernization of deck hardware and rigging.
• Regional Rarity: Outside of South America, finding parts or specific model knowledge can be challenging.