Cal 21 vs Cal 39
How do the Cal 21 and Cal 39 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.5 ft6.25 m | 38.7 ft11.79 m |
| Waterline length | 16.7 ft5.08 m | 31.3 ft9.53 m |
| Beam | 6.7 ft2.03 m | 11.7 ft3.56 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 1,100 lb499 kg | 14,600 lb6,622 kg |
| Ballast | 360 lb163 kg | 6,600 lb2,994 kg |
| Sail area | 196 ft²18.2 m² | 738 ft²68.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.43 | 19.77 |
| Displacement / Length | 106 | 214 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.6 | 25.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.58 | 1.91 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | 7.5 |
Cal 21 vs Cal 39: the short version
- The Cal 39 is the larger boat at 38.7 ft11.79 m LOA versus 20.5 ft6.25 m for the Cal 21.
- The Cal 39 is heavier, displacing about 1227% 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 19.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 39 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 39 rates better for offshore work (1.91 vs 2.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.