Vanguard Volant Information, Review, Specs

Despite its pedigree, the Volant remains a rare find on the used market. It was designed to offer "gentlemanly" daysailing aesthetics while retaining the athletic DNA of a world-class racer. The result was a boat that could outpace nearly any contemporary in its size class but required a high degree of technical proficiency to master, leading to a limited production run.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Volant’s performance is defined by its lineage as a "civilized" version of the Flying Dutchman. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio reported as high as 50.22, the boat is exceptionally over-canvassed by traditional daysailer standards. This high ratio, common in skiffs and grand-prix racers, ensures the boat is incredibly responsive in light air and capable of immediate planing as the breeze freshens.

On the water, the boat is known for its agility and "twitchy" nature. Because it features a high-aspect-ratio centerboard and a balanced rudder, it tracks with precision but provides significant feedback to the helm. Unlike a heavy-keel daysailer, the Volant requires active weight management; it is a "wet" boat that rewards hiking and constant sail trim. According to owner discussions on technical forums such as Sailboat Owners, the boat is often compared to a Thistle or an FD in terms of handling—blazing fast upwind but prone to rapid capsizing if the crew is caught off-guard by a gust.

The rig is complex, featuring a myriad of blocks and adjustment lines. It typically carries a large mainsail, a jib, and a powerful spinnaker. The handling is designed for a crew of two, though it can be single-handed by an expert in light conditions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Volant as they would a high-end racing dinghy rather than a casual cruiser. Key areas for inspection include:

• Centerboard Trunk and Bungee System: A unique and often frustrating design element of the Volant is its internal bungee-assisted downhaul system for the centerboard. The shock cords are routed through a series of internal sheaves inside the trunk. If the bungee rots or snaps—a common issue given the boat's age—re-rigging it is notoriously difficult and requires significant patience.
• Deck and Hardware Stress: Given the high loads generated by the aggressive sail plan, the deck around the chainplates and the mainsheet traveler should be inspected for stress cracking or soft spots. The original Harken hardware was top-tier for its time, but after decades, blocks and cam cleats may need replacing to ensure safe operation.
• Rigging Complexity: The "2 million pulleys" (as noted by owners on Sailing Anarchy) represent a maintenance challenge. Buyers should ensure that all running rigging is intact; replacing the entire system can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor due to the number of specialized leads and purchases.
• Spars: Check the mast and boom for corrosion, particularly around the stainless steel fittings. As an older performance boat, the integrity of the rig is paramount, as the Volant’s hull depends on high rig tension to perform as designed.

Community & Resources

Due to its rarity, there is no dedicated class association for the Volant. However, because it shares significant DNA with the Flying Dutchman, many owners turn to the International Flying Dutchman Class technical resources for guidance on rigging and sail shape. The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center famously maintained a fleet of Volants for many years, and their historical maintenance records or senior instructors remain some of the best sources of tribal knowledge for this specific model.

The Verdict

The Vanguard Volant is a "sleeper" of the sailing world—a boat that looks like a traditional daysailer but moves like a thoroughbred racer. It is a rewarding vessel for the experienced sailor who enjoys technical tuning and high-speed planing, but it is entirely unsuitable for beginners or those seeking a stable, dry family platform.

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance.
• High-quality original construction and hardware.
• Rare "modern classic" aesthetic that turns heads in a harbor.

Cons:

• Extremely complex rigging that is difficult to master.
• Low stability; prone to capsizing if not actively sailed.
• Difficult internal maintenance (specifically the centerboard system).