At just over six metres overall, the Sailart 20 is intended to be complete and ready to go, yet adaptable enough for family overnights and single-handed sailing. Its foam-cored sandwich construction keeps the trailering weight within the towing capacity of a midsize car.
Design and Construction
Sailart hand-lays the hull and deck using NPG gelcoat and Divinycell foam cores, creating a structure the builder describes as light yet robust. The boat weighs 820 kg, or 1,200 kg with its trailer. Sailart achieved this low trailering weight through consistent use of lightweight sandwich structures and by placing the ballast in the keel bomb.
The wing keel carries 180 kg of lead ballast—about 22 percent of the boat’s mass. It swings between a 1.40 m working draft and an alternative draught of 0.60 m. The swivelling keel’s halyard tackle runs inside the mast support.
The foam volume makes the boat unsinkable and also insulates the interior well. A reinforcement is laminated into the deck at the mast base, while the mast foot itself is reinforced with wood. The yard’s exclusive choice of materials is reflected in high value retention.
The yard’s exclusive choice of materials is reflected in high value retention. An open stern and timeless styling complete a small cruiser intended for CE category C waters.
Rig and Handling
The fractional sloop rig combines a powerful, flared 12.2 m² mainsail with a standard 5.8 m² self-tacking jib. There’s no traveller or backstay to complicate the cockpit. The self-tacking jib, TBS coating on all tread surfaces, high hull stability and a ballast airbag allow the boat to be sailed single-handed, even in rough weather, while the TBS coating and high hull stability also contribute to this capability. The airbag helps keep the six-metre hull upright when needed.
In 12 to 14 knots of wind, YACHT’s test sailors recorded around five knots at a tacking angle of less than 90 degrees in their test.
For sailing off the wind, a bowsprit carries an optional 24 m² gennaker. An outboard motor with a 10-litre fuel tank completes the drive package.
Accommodation
Below decks, the Sailart 20 is bright and spacious for its length. Its large cabin contains four full-size bunks, allowing the whole family to stay aboard.
The foredeck berth is two metres long and 1.83 metres wide amidships, though it narrows to just 44 centimetres at the forward end. Aft, the starboard berth measures 2.45 metres by 75 centimetres. The berth to port is equally wide but 50 centimetres shorter, leaving room for the small kitchen cupboard.
The “Momo” unit brings together cooking utensils, a small cooker, a sink with a mini water tank and a cool box. A chemical WC can be stored beneath the ladder or in the companionway space. The utility capacity remains modest, with a 10-litre fresh water tank and a chemical holding tank.
Optional table and wardrobe kits add comfort. The table can be used in either the cockpit or the cabin. Buyers could also choose one or two superstructure windows, one of them opening. A premium version adds teak in the cockpit and mahogany below.
Known Issues
The swivelling-keel halyard originally used a wire leader that sometimes caused the tackle to twist and stiffen. The shipyard developed a fix.
Moisture can also enter at the mast base if screws are loose or plugs have been fitted incorrectly. Because the deck reinforcement is laminated into this area, it can soften when wet. Neither issue changes the fact that the boat needs no cockpit bilge pump, but both warrant close inspection during a survey.
Refits and Ownership
Flexible components allow owners to tailor the boat through the table and wardrobe options, the choice of one or two windows, and the premium trim package. Its hand-built foam-core construction and documented value retention may suit an owner planning to keep the boat, while the ready-to-go specification means most examples require only routine gear updates.
With a trailering weight of 1,200 kg, including the trailer, a midsize car can tow the Sailart 20. That helps keep storage and launching straightforward.
The Verdict
The Sailart 20 combines genuine family cruising space with safe single-handed manners in a trailerable six-metre hull. It’s backed by a hands-on builder and steady production. Foam-core construction and low weight are clear strengths, although the narrow forepeak and open stern won’t suit everyone.
Pros
- Lightweight sandwich construction, low trailering weight and unsinkable foam volume
- Four berths, including a wide foredeck bunk, in a bright and spacious cabin
- Self-tacking jib and ballast airbag support confident single-handed sailing
- Strong value retention from exclusive materials and hand construction
Cons
- Foredeck berth narrows to 44 cm at the bow
- Open stern won’t appeal to everyone
- Keel-halyard operation and possible moisture at the mast base need attention during a survey
