The Rossiter Pintail Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Rossiter Pintail, a heavy displacement fractionally rigged sloop, was designed by Hugh Rossiter and built in the UK by Rossiter Yachts Ltd.

A Rossiter Pintail

Published Specification for the Rossiter Pintail

Underwater Profile: Shallow long fin with bilge keels

Hull Material: Wood/Fibreglass*

Length Overall: 27'3" (8.3m)

Waterline Length: 23'0" (7.0m)

Beam: 8'9" (2.7m)

Draft: 3'6" (1.1m)

Rig Type: Fractional sloop

Displacement: 11,650lb (5,28kg)

Designer: Hugh Rossiter

Builder: Rossiter Yachts Ltd (UK)

Year First Built: 1962

* Initially built with a wooden planked hull, this version was discontinued in 1970 from when fibreglass hulls became the norm.

Published Design Ratios for the Rossiter Pintail

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 9.7

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 40.3

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 427

4. Comfort Ratio: 41

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.6

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Rossiter Pintail

The Rossiter Pintail sailboat has an interesting blend of design ratios, which suggest a particular mix of strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) Ratio, the figure of 9.7 suggests the Pintail is somewhat under-powered. This ratio is a measure of how much power the sails can provide relative to how much weight they need to move. With a low to average ratio, this boat might struggle in light wind conditions or when trying to maintain speed in heavy wind.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 40.3 indicates a relatively high proportion of the sailboat’s weight is concentrated in the keel. This generally translates to increased stability. The boat can thus handle a higher degree of heel before flipping, making it suitable for cruising.

The high Displacement/Length Ratio of 427 is associated with a slower, heavier boat. Yet, it also signifies a steady, forgiving ride, again leaning this model towards cruising rather than racing.

With a Comfort Ratio of 41, the Pintail should be comfortable for longer passages. This ratio signifies how 'comfortable' a yacht's motion will be at sea, with a higher number suggesting a smoother ride. Thus, it is another factor that makes the Pintail suitable for casual cruising ventures.

Lastly, the Capsize Screening Formula result of 1.6 falls within the general ‘good to go’ range, as it's below 2. Anything below 2 is generally deemed safe enough for offshore sailing, indicating a relatively low risk of capsize.

In summary, the Rossiter Pintail sailboat, considering these ratios, seems best suited for cruising rather than racing. It might not thrive in light winds or perform optimally at high speed due to insufficient sail power and high displacement. However, its sturdy build and high comfort ratio make it a potential choice for those who prioritize safety, stability, and comfort for longer passages over speed.

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I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com