Cygnus 20 vs Nonsuch 36
How do the Cygnus 20 and Nonsuch 36 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cygnus 20 
Nonsuch 36 | Cygnus 20 | Nonsuch 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 36.0 ft10.97 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 33.8 ft10.29 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 12.7 ft3.86 m |
| Draft | 2.8 ft0.84 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 950 lb431 kg | 17,000 lb7,711 kg |
| Ballast | 140 lb64 kg | 6,500 lb2,948 kg |
| Sail area | 178 ft²16.5 m² | 742 ft²68.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.47 | 17.96 |
| Displacement / Length | 79 | 197 |
| Comfort ratio | 6.0 | 25.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.85 | 1.97 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 7.8 |
Cygnus 20 vs Nonsuch 36: the short version
- The Nonsuch 36 is the larger boat at 36.0 ft10.97 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Cygnus 20.
- The Nonsuch 36 is heavier, displacing about 1689% 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 18.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 36 rates better for offshore work (1.97 vs 2.85).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.