The Normandy Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Normandy sailboat, an ultra-heavy fractionally-rigged sloop, was designed by Laurent Giles Yacht Design and built in Lymington, England by Jack Laurent Giles.

The Laurent Giles designed Normandy sailboat

Published Specification for the Normandy Sailboat

Underwater Profile: Long keel

Hull Material: Wood

Length Overall: 27'8" (8.4m)

Waterline Length: 21'5" (6.5m)

Beam: 7'8" (2.3m)

Draft: 5'3" (1.6m)

Rig Type: Fractional Sloop

Displacement: 7,700lb (3,493kg)

Designer: Laurent Giles

Builder: Jack Laurent Giles (UK)

Year First Built: 1955

Year Last Built: 1970

Number Built: 29

Published Design Ratios for the Normandy Sailboat

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 14.6

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: Not available

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 351

4. Comfort Ratio: 34.1

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.55

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Normandy Sailboat

The Normandy sailboat shows some promising performance traits based on the given ratios.

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SADR): The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 14.6 indicates a relatively moderate performance: a higher ratio indicates a better light air performance, whereas a lower ratio could handle windier conditions. So, this Normandy sailboat seems to be able to maintain a balanced performance under various wind conditions, though it might not stand out in either of extremes.

Displacement/Length Ratio (DLR): The Displacement/Length Ratio of 351 indicates that the boat is on the heavier side. Heavy boats typically have better seakeeping capabilities and motion comfort but may lack speed or quickness. Despite this, they are generally well-suited to longer voyages as they provide stability and comfort.

Comfort Ratio (CR): With a Comfort Ratio of 34.1, this sailboat would provide a reasonably comfortable ride in most weather conditions. As the comfort ratio increases, so does the boat motion's comfort, meaning this boat will comfortably cruise even in choppy water without placing undue physical demands on the crew.

Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): The Capsize Screening Formula is 1.55. This ratio is considered good for an offshore cruiser which indicates a potentially safer boat in bad weather or in the event of a capsize. The lower the score, the better the boat's capsize recovery.

For the Ballast/Displacement Ratio (BDR), this ratio is important to understand as it indicates the stability of the boat and its ability to right itself after heeling over. However, the data is apparently unavailable.

The Normandy, with its given ratios, is expected to deliver a balanced and comfortable riding experience, particularly in offshore cruising. Its construction is heavier than some other models, which will compromise some speed, but it ensures a safer and more stable voyage, especially during harsh weather conditions. The sailboat seems to perform in a balanced manner under various wind conditions, which indicates good overall performance. The missing Ballast/Displacement Ratio, however, makes it hard to fully evaluate its stability.

The essential eBook for potential boat buyers...

Similar - But Different...

The Normandy and Vertue 25 are similar-looking sailboats, but they have some differences in their specifications:

The Normandy

Underwater Profile: Long keel
Hull Material: Wood
Length Overall: 27'8" (8.4m)
Waterline Length: 21'5" (6.5m)
Beam: 7'8" (2.3m)
Draft: 5'3" (1.6m)

The Vertue

Underwater Profile: Long keel with transom-hung rudder
Hull Material: Various
Length Overall: 25'3" (7.7m)
Waterline Length: 21'6" (6.6m)
Beam: 7'2" (2.2m)
Draft: 4'6" (1.4m)

As you can see, the Normandy is slightly longer overall, has a wider beam, and a deeper draft compared to the Vertue 25. The underwater profile of the Vertue 25 includes a transom-hung rudder, which is not specified for the Normandy. Additionally, the Vertue 25 can be made from various hull materials, while the Normandy is specifically made from wood.

The Normandy Sailboat: An Overview

The Normandy is an excellent example of traditional sailboat engineering, offering a unique fusion of comfort, performance, and stability. While specific design details might vary, here is an overview based on the available design ratios.

This sailboat offers a decent light air performance, thanks to its Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 14.6. The balance this ratio suggests allows the boat to handle different wind conditions proficiently, offering a flexible experience to sailors.

Built on the heavier side, as evidenced by its Displacement/Length Ratio of 351, the Normandy is designed for more extended voyages. Its heavier weight should ensure better seakeeping capabilities, providing stability and comfort, even if it may be at the cost of speed or quickness.

The Normandy's Comfort Ratio of 34.1 indicates that the boat offers a comfortable ride, particularly favorable for those looking for leisure cruise experiences. The higher comfort ratio suggests that the sailboat ably handles the motion at sea, ensuring a soothing journey even in relatively choppy water.

Safety is another area where the Normandy shines. Its Capsize Screening Formula of 1.55 suggests that it is well-suited for offshore cruising as it has decent recovery in the potential event of a capsize.

In summary, the Normandy sailboat is a solid choice for those desiring a comfortable, safe, and adaptable cruising experience. The boat's design and specifications make it suitable for different sailing conditions and highlight its seakeeping capabilities and offshore safety. For sailing enthusiasts, especially those interested in longer cruises, the Normandy certainly stands out as a robust option.

The above text was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; we believe it to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.