Join the sb20 keelboat racing class in 2025 with sailing chandlery

Embarking on the journey to own an SB20 keelboat is an exciting prospect for any sailing enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of high-performance keelboat racing, the SB20 keelboat offers unparalleled thrills and challenges. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to order your new SB20 keelboat, highlighting its features, the ordering process, and why Sailing Chandlery is your trusted partner in this venture.

Since its launch in 2002, the SB20 keelboat has become one of the most popular one-design keelboats in the world. Designed by Tony Castro, it was built with one clear goal in mind: to make high-performance keelboat racing affordable, accessible, and exciting. The class quickly grew across Europe and beyond, with world championships now attracting large international fleets.

Part of the SB20’s success lies in its strict one-design class rules. This ensures that competition is based on sailing skill rather than expensive equipment upgrades. Whether you’re at your first club regatta or the SB20 Worlds, you can be confident that your boat is competitive right out of the box.

The SB20 keelboat attracts a wide range of sailors. For dinghy racers looking to step up into keelboats, it’s the natural transition – offering a similar responsive and lively feel but with the added stability of a keel. For keelboat enthusiasts, the SB20 keelboat provides a lower-maintenance, trailerable option that can still deliver world-class racing.

It’s also a great platform for sailing families or small crews who want a fun and manageable boat without the demands of bigger yachts. With three or four crew, teamwork is at the heart of every race, but launching and recovery are easy enough for small groups to handle without extra support

Owning an SB20 keelboat opens the door to a thriving international racing scene. Fleets are active in the UK, Ireland, France, Portugal, Australia, and Singapore, to name a few.

In the UK, class racing is strong, with regular events at clubs such as the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Sussex Yacht Club, the Royal Torbay Yacht Club and many others. 

The SB20 World Championship has become a bucket-list regatta for many sailors, offering competitive racing in stunning locations.

Even if you’re not chasing the international circuit, many local fleets host open meetings and training weekends, giving you the chance to race against like-minded sailors and sharpen your skills.

Unlike larger keelboats, the SB20 is designed to be simple to own and maintain. Its durable GRP hull, straightforward rigging, and compact design mean less time spent in the boatyard and more time on the water.

Storage is also more affordable, since the SB20 keelboat can be easily kept on a trailer and launched at most clubs this way if you don't mind getting the trailer wet. The lightweight hull and keel design make it trailerable, so you can tow it to events rather than committing to a permanent berth.

If you're ordering your first SB20, here are some things to consider:

• Crew Selection: Aim for a consistent team of 3 or 4 who can train together regularly.
• Sail Care: Stick with class-approved sails. Proper care and storage will extend their racing life. 
• Training: Spend time on boat handling and manoeuvres - smooth hoists and drops with the asymmetric spinnaker often make the difference in close races.
• Joining the Class Association: This gives you access to event calendars, technical support, and a community of sailors who are always happy to share advice. 

The SB20, designed by Tony Castro, is a 6.15-meter one-design keelboat that has captured the hearts of sailors worldwide. With over 800 boats in active fleets across Europe, Asia, and Australia, the SB20 stands as a testament to accessible, high-performance sailing.

Key Specifications:

• Length Overall (LOA): 6.15m

• Beam: 2.15m

• Draft: 1.5m

• Hull Weight: 685kg (including 327kg keel)

• Mast Height: 9.05m

• Sail Area:

  • Mainsail: 18m²

  • Headsail: 9.3m²

  • Spinnaker: 46m²

• Maximum Crew Weight: 270kg

These specifications ensure a stable yet exhilarating sailing experience, making the SB20 suitable for teams of three or four sailors. Its design emphasises ease of launching, trailering, and maintenance, all while delivering competitive performance.

Buying a keelboat is an investment, and at Sailing Chandlery, we understand that flexibility is important. We can advise on payment plans and delivery options to help make ownership more accessible.

Remember, because the SB20 is such an established class, resale values are strong, meaning your investment holds value in the long term.

Ordering your new SB20 through Sailing Chandlery is a straightforward and transparent process:

1. Initial Inquiry: Reach out to our team to express your interest. We'll provide you with detailed information on pricing, customisation options, and delivery timelines.

2. Customisation: While the SB20 adheres to strict one-design class rules, there are still opportunities for personalisation, such as hull colour and sail branding.

3. Order Confirmation: Once you've decided on your specifications, we'll confirm your order and provide an estimated delivery date.

4. Payment Options: We offer flexible payment plans to accommodate your financial preferences.

5. Delivery & Setup: Upon completion, your new keelboat will be delivered directly to your location, ready for its maiden voyage.

Sailing Chandlery is more than just a retailer; we are your dedicated partner in the sailing community. Here's why choosing us for your SB20 purchase is a wise decision:

• Expertise: Our team comprises experienced sailors who understand the nuances of keelboat racing.

• Comprehensive Support: From the initial inquiry to post-purchase services, we offer end-to-end assistance.

• Trusted Partnerships: We collaborate with reputable builders and suppliers to ensure the highest quality.

• Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our customer reviews and repeat clientele.

Ordering your SB20 keelboat is more than just buying a boat – it’s joining a global community of sailors who share the same passion for high-performance, one-design racing. The SB20 offers speed, simplicity, and incredible value for teams who want competitive racing without the costs and complexities of larger yachts.

With Sailing Chandlery’s expertise and support, you’re not just purchasing a boat – you’re gaining a partner who will help you every step of the way, from order to first launch and beyond.

👉🏼 Shop SB20 Keelboats
👉🏼 Shop SB20 Parts

👉🏼 Shop SB20 Ropes
👉🏼 Shop Most Popular Collections