Skipper 17 Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · centerboard

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

17' · 5.18 m

Disp.

700 lbs · 318 kg

First year

1966

The Skipper 17, designed by the prolific naval architect Peter Milne—best known for the highperformance Fireball dinghy—represents a pivotal moment in the history of Richmond Marine Ltd. Launched in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Skipper 17 was David Thorpe’s answer to the burgeoning demand for affordable, "trailable" family cruisers. While Milne’s pedigree suggested speed, the Skipper 17 was intentionally engineered for stability and safety, serving as a gateway vessel for families transitioning from open dinghies to overnight coastal cruising. The boat's design philosophy prioritized a high volumetolength ratio, resulting in a stubby but seaworthy profile that became a common sight across British estuaries and coastal waters.