Blue Jay Sailboat vs Lightning
How do the Blue Jay Sailboat and Lightning compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Blue Jay Sailboat 
Lightning | Blue Jay Sailboat | Lightning | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 13.5 ft4.11 m | 19.0 ft5.79 m |
| Waterline length | 11.3 ft3.43 m | 15.3 ft4.65 m |
| Beam | 5.2 ft1.58 m | 5.0 ft1.51 m |
| Draft | 3.7 ft1.12 m | 5.0 ft1.51 m |
| Displacement | 275 lb125 kg | 700 lb318 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 90 ft²8.4 m² | 189 ft²17.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 34.05 | 38.36 |
| Displacement / Length | 86 | 88 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.0 | 7.8 |
| Capsize screening | 3.18 | 2.23 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.5 | 5.2 |
Blue Jay Sailboat vs Lightning: the short version
- The Lightning is the larger boat at 19.0 ft5.79 m LOA versus 13.5 ft4.11 m for the Blue Jay Sailboat.
- The Lightning is heavier, displacing about 155% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Lightning carries the more powerful rig (38.4 vs 34.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Lightning scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Lightning rates better for offshore work (2.23 vs 3.18).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.