Cygnus 20 vs Nonsuch 33
How do the Cygnus 20 and Nonsuch 33 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cygnus 20 
Nonsuch 33 | Cygnus 20 | Nonsuch 33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 33.4 ft10.19 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 31.5 ft9.59 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 2.8 ft0.84 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 950 lb431 kg | 15,350 lb6,963 kg |
| Ballast | 140 lb64 kg | 6,050 lb2,744 kg |
| Sail area | 178 ft²16.5 m² | 669 ft²62.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.47 | 17.33 |
| Displacement / Length | 79 | 220 |
| Comfort ratio | 6.0 | 25.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.85 | 2.01 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 7.5 |
Cygnus 20 vs Nonsuch 33: the short version
- The Nonsuch 33 is the larger boat at 33.4 ft10.19 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Cygnus 20.
- The Nonsuch 33 is heavier, displacing about 1516% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cygnus 20 carries the more powerful rig (29.5 vs 17.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 33 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 33 rates better for offshore work (2.01 vs 2.85).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.