S2 7.9 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S2 7.9 is widely regarded as a "sailor's boat," characterized by its responsiveness and exceptional light-air performance. Much of this agility is attributed to its high sail area-to-displacement ratio (typically exceeding 22), which allows the boat to accelerate in light puffs that leave heavier cruisers becalmed. According to editorial analysis from Sailing World, the boat’s fractional rig and large mainsail provide a high degree of tunability, making it a favorite for one-design racing.

Handling is further enhanced by its vertically retracting daggerboard, which weighs approximately 600 pounds. When fully lowered to its 5-foot draft, the board provides a deep center of lateral resistance, allowing the boat to point high into the wind with minimal leeway. Off the wind, the board can be partially raised to reduce drag, a feature that enables the 7.9 to reach planing speeds in heavy air—a rarity for a boat with a full interior. The outboard rudder provides high-leverage steering, though owners often note that the boat requires active mainsheet trimming to prevent rounding up in gusty conditions due to its large mainsail.

While the 7.9 is the most famous of the Graham & Schlageter S2 designs, it shares its performance DNA with several siblings built on similar principles. These include the smaller S2 6.7, the masthead-rigged S2 8.0, and the larger offshore-capable S2 9.1 and 10.3. While these models differ in size, they all belong to the "Grand Slam" performance lineage, characterized by flush decks and a focus on PHRF and MORC competitiveness. A rare fixed-keel version of the 7.9 was also produced in limited numbers for owners who did not require trailerability, offering even greater stiffness at the cost of a deep, permanent draft.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing pedigree, the S2 7.9 offers a surprisingly refined interior that accommodates four adults. The layout is centered around the large keel trunk, which is cleverly integrated into the cabin's structure. It features a V-berth forward, two settee berths in the main salon, and a small but functional galley area usually equipped with a recessed sink and space for a portable stove.

The use of teak bulkheads and trim gives the cabin a warmth often missing in modern sportboats. Headroom is modest, as is typical for a flush-deck design of this size, but the wide beam provides a sense of volume. Variations in the interior are most often found in the engine configuration; the boat was offered with either an inboard diesel (typically a Yanmar 1GM) or an outboard motor mounted on a retractable transom bracket. The inboard version is highly sought after for its reliability and weight distribution, though it adds complexity to the maintenance of the sail-drive unit.

Popular Mentions & Media

The S2 7.9 has maintained a vibrant presence in the sailing community for over four decades, largely due to the S2 7.9 Class Association, which governs one-design racing and maintains a rigorous set of class rules. The boat has been a staple at major regattas, including the Key West Race Week and various North American Championships, often outperforming much newer and more expensive designs. Its enduring popularity is such that when S2 Yachts ceased regular production, demand was high enough to warrant limited production runs in the early 1990s to replenish the racing fleets.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an S2 7.9 with a focus on three primary technical areas:

1. Keel Lifting Mechanism: The 600-pound daggerboard is raised and lowered via a manual winch and a stainless steel wire pennant. The pennant is prone to fraying over time, and the turning blocks inside the keel trunk can wear out. A thorough inspection of the winch and the condition of the wire is essential to prevent a "keel drop" scenario.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the S2 7.9 uses a balsa-cored deck. While the build quality was high, hardware that has not been re-bedded (cleats, stanchions, and the mast step) can allow moisture into the core. Soft spots on the flush deck are a common "gotcha" and can be expensive to remediate.
3. Rudder and Transom: Because the 7.9 is often sailed hard in heavy air, the transom-mounted rudder gudgeons and the rudder blade itself are subject to significant stress. Buyers should check for hairline fractures in the fiberglass surrounding the pintles and for any signs of delamination in the rudder blade.
4. Compression Post: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a compression post that transfers the load to the keel trunk. Over time, the base of this post can suffer from corrosion or rot if water has been allowed to sit in the bilge, potentially leading to rig tension issues.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the S2 7.9 Class Association, which provides a wealth of knowledge regarding sail tuning, trailer modifications, and class-legal upgrades. For general S2 history and legacy information, the parent company’s current brand, Tiara Yachts, maintains historical archives that occasionally offer insights into the original construction methods of the Slikkers-era sailboats.

The Verdict

The S2 7.9 is a rare example of a "no-compromise" boat that actually delivers on two fronts: it is a legitimate one-design racer and a capable weekend cruiser. While its sophisticated lifting keel requires more maintenance than a fixed-keel boat, the reward is a vessel that can be stored in a driveway and sailed in the most competitive PHRF fleets in the country.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and planing potential.
• Highly active one-design class with strong resale value.
• Versatile draft (1' 1" to 5' 0") allows for gunkholing and easy trailering.
• Build quality superior to many contemporary mass-production models.

Cons:

• The large mainsail and fractional rig can be a handful for novice sailors in high winds.
• The keel lifting mechanism requires regular inspection and maintenance.
• Flush deck design limits standing headroom in the cabin.