Sailing Performance & Handling
The Sailart 19 is defined by its agility and high power-to-weight ratio. With a displacement of approximately 730 kg and a standard sail area of 22 square meters, the boat possesses a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio that approaches racing levels, ensuring it remains lively even in light air. Its hull features a modern, wide-transom design with a pronounced chine, which provides significant form stability when healed.
According to technical documentation from Sailart, the boat is equipped with a 180 kg lead bulb keel. This lifting keel mechanism allows for a variable draft ranging from 0.60 m to 1.30 m, making it exceptionally versatile for shallow-water exploration or beaching. Under sail, the boat tracks with precision, aided by a balanced rudder that provides clear feedback to the helm. The rigging is kept simple for solo or shorthanded sailing, often featuring a self-tacking jib option and a retractable gennaker pole for downwind performance. The boat's light weight allows it to plane in moderate breezes, a characteristic shared with its smaller sibling, the Sailart 18, though the 19 offers a more composed motion in choppy water due to its increased waterline length.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a vessel under 20 feet, the Sailart 19 offers a remarkably well-thought-out cabin. The interior design maximizes the 2.50-meter beam to provide four full-sized berths, a feat rarely achieved in this size class without compromising aesthetic lines. A hallmark of the model is the "cabinet system"—a modular storage solution that keeps the cabin organized and clutter-free.
The materials used below deck reflect Sailart's "Made in Germany" ethos, featuring high-quality GRP finishes paired with wood accents. While headroom is understandably limited, the large companionway and side windows prevent the space from feeling claustrophobic. The layout is optimized for weekend excursions, with enough stowage for light cruising gear. While the Sailart 19 shares the same design DNA as the Sailart 17 and Sailart 20, it occupies a unique middle ground; it is more "yacht-like" than the open-cockpit 17, yet significantly easier to launch and retrieve than the heavier Sailart 20.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective owners should pay close attention to the following technical areas during inspection:
- Keel Lifting Mechanism: As with any lifting-keel boat, the cable, winch, and pivot pin should be inspected for wear and corrosion. Ensure the keel locks securely in both the up and down positions without excessive play in the trunk.
- Deck Hardware Bedding: On earlier hulls, check for signs of moisture around high-load areas like the gennaker pole housing and shroud chainplates.
- Rudder Bearings: Given its performance nature, the rudder takes significant loads. Check for "slop" or play in the rudder stock which can detract from the boat’s sensitive handling.
- Trailer Alignment: Because the Sailart 19 is frequently trailered, the hull should be checked for "point loading" deformities if the trailer rollers or bunks were not properly adjusted to the hull shape.
The Verdict
The Sailart 19 is an elite choice for the discerning sailor who values build quality and performance over raw interior volume. It bridges the gap between a sporty dinghy and a heavy cruiser, offering a refined platform for both club racing and coastal gunkholing.
Pros
- Exceptional Build Quality: High-grade GRP work and premium fittings throughout.
- Versatility: Excellent trailerability combined with genuine overnight capability.
- Modern Performance: High SA/D ratio ensures competitive speed and responsiveness.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Typically more expensive than mass-produced competitors of similar size.
- Interior Height: Sitting headroom only, which may be restrictive for longer cruises.
- Weight Sensitivity: Performance can be noticeably impacted by excessive gear or too many crew members in the cockpit.
