Cal 21 vs Cal 39 Mark II
How do the Cal 21 and Cal 39 Mark II compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 21 | Cal 21 | Cal 39 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.5 ft6.25 m | 39.0 ft11.89 m |
| Waterline length | 16.7 ft5.08 m | 32.1 ft9.78 m |
| Beam | 6.7 ft2.03 m | 12.0 ft3.66 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 6.7 ft2.03 m |
| Displacement | 1,100 lb499 kg | 17,000 lb7,711 kg |
| Ballast | 360 lb163 kg | 7,000 lb3,175 kg |
| Sail area | 196 ft²18.2 m² | 719 ft²66.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.43 | 17.40 |
| Displacement / Length | 106 | 230 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.6 | 28.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.58 | 1.87 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | 7.6 |
Cal 21 vs Cal 39 Mark II: the short version
- The Cal 39 Mark II is the larger boat at 39.0 ft11.89 m LOA versus 20.5 ft6.25 m for the Cal 21.
- The Cal 39 Mark II is heavier, displacing about 1445% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cal 21 carries the more powerful rig (29.4 vs 17.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 39 Mark II scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 39 Mark II rates better for offshore work (1.87 vs 2.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.