While Sailcraft was synonymous with the "two-hull" revolution, the Sunshine 22 was their Rare foray into the monohull world, designed to compete with the likes of the Anderson 22 and the Westerly Jouster. It was marketed as a "performance cruiser," a title supported by its clean underwater lines and a high-aspect-ratio rig that was advanced for a boat of its size. Although the company ceased operations in 1986, the Sunshine 22 remains a testament to a period when British boatbuilding was experimenting with how much speed could be packed into a trailerable, family-oriented platform.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Sunshine 22 is characterized by a "skiff-like" agility that betrays Rodney March’s background in racing catamarans. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of the cruising spectrum, the boat is remarkably responsive in light airs. The standard configuration featured a heavy iron swing keel, which allowed for a minimum draft of just over one foot, making it an ideal choice for the shallow estuaries of the UK’s East Coast. When the keel is fully extended to nearly five feet, the boat gains a surprising amount of stiffness and tracking ability.
Owner anecdotes often highlight the boat's tendency to "talk" to the helm; it provides immediate feedback through the tiller, a trait often missing in heavier, long-keeled cruisers of the same era. According to historical design notes from Rodney March, the hull was designed with a relatively flat run aft to encourage surfing in following seas, though its narrow beam (dictated by trailing laws) limits its ultimate stability compared to modern wide-stern designs. The high-aspect masthead rig provides plenty of power, but the boat requires early reefing—typically when the wind hits 15-18 knots—to keep it from becoming overpowered and rounding up.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a 22-foot vessel, the Sunshine 22 offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it adheres to the "micro-cruiser" philosophy of the late 70s. The layout is centered around a traditional V-berth forward, separated from the main saloon by a small bulkhead. The main cabin typically features two settee berths that extend under the cockpit seats, providing a total of four berths. While the headroom is restricted, the use of large side windows—a signature of Rodney March’s aesthetic—creates an airy feel that combats the claustrophobia often found in small trailer-sailers.
Variations in the interior were largely driven by the era of "kit finishing," where some owners purchased the hull and deck from Sailcraft Ltd. and completed the joinery themselves. Factory-finished models featured molded GRP headliners and basic wooden trim, usually including a small slide-out galley unit and a dedicated space for a chemical toilet under the V-berth. There are no known major "sibling" models built on this specific hull, as Sailcraft largely returned to multihull production (such as the Comanche and Cherokee) shortly after the Sunshine 22’s release, making the 22 a unique outlier in their production history.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Sunshine 22 should focus their inspection on the specific mechanical and structural points common to Sailcraft’s monohull construction:
- Keel Pivot Bolt and Housing: Like many swing-keel boats of this age, the pivot bolt and the trunk itself are prone to wear. Buyers should check for "keel clunk" while underway and inspect the internal trunk for stress cracks or evidence of water ingress, which can indicate a grounding that has strained the fiberglass structure.
- Deck Compression: The area around the mast step is a known weak point. Because the boat features a deck-stepped mast, the supporting compression post inside the cabin must be perfectly aligned. Check for "quilting" or depressions in the deck GRP around the mast foot.
- Window Seals: The large, iconic side windows are often the primary source of leaks. Because these are typically bolted through the GRP, the seals perish over decades, leading to water damage in the interior woodwork and settee cushions.
- Rudder Blade Play: The lifting rudder assembly is prone to developing play in the pintles and gudgeons. Excessive vibration at high speeds usually points to worn bushings or a warped blade.
The Verdict
The Sunshine 22 is a niche classic that offers a "designer" sailing experience at an entry-level price point. It is best suited for sailors who prioritize performance and the ability to explore shallow coastal waters over the standing headroom and heavy-weather displacement of a larger yacht.
Pros:
- Exceptional light-wind performance and responsiveness.
- True trailerability with a shallow-draft swing keel.
- Pedigree design from one of the UK's most famous multihull architects.
Cons:
- Limited headroom and cramped living quarters for extended cruising.
- Requires active sail management and early reefing in a blow.
- Potential for high-maintenance issues related to the aging swing-keel mechanism.
