SB20: the original easy, affordable 6.15m racing keelboat

SB20

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors male or female. It is also, arguably, the most successful long lasting modern sportsboat in the world with 800+ owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; and the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market. A Classic in the making…

SB20 FAQs

The original strict one-design 6-metre keelboat

If you’re looking for a boat that guarantees a great experience both on the water and ashore, to enjoy with seasoned and rookie sailors alike, get in touch with us to find out more about available packages, used boat opportunities and where and when you can have a test sail.

One for all

This strict one-design ethos coupled with an active Class and a very enthusiastic community provide you with a level playing field where you and your team have a real chance of reaching your full potential and stepping on the podium. That works as a motivating force that can be felt on the water, in every single race, which makes for very exciting sailing.

Strict One-Design

The SB20 is a strict one-design keelboat that makes close racing and performance sailing accessible to everyone. The bottom-line of the Class Rule is that everyone races the same boat; fair and square. The racing is not between boats but between teams: helmsman against helmsman; crew against crew. So, winning does not depend on your budget, the latest gadgets or your physical fitness; it’s everyone’s combined ability that wins the day. Come and test your Skills…

Contact your local SB20 dealer to organise a sailing trial.

High-performance sailing

Sailing an SB20 is accessible and fun for sailors of all levels and skills. It’s also highly tactical upwind, and fast and exciting downwind, which appeals to dinghy and keelboat sailors alike, male or female. The build qualitycontrol on this one-design means that boats are identical and speeds are virtually the same and it’s your skills on the racecourse that make the difference.

Close racing, real competition

One of the most distinctive features of the SB20 is that it’s designed to be sailed legs-in: the comfortable inboard seating makes for enjoyable racing: better communication between the team and no advantage for professional sailors on top physical form.
Hone your skills and enjoy club regattas, regional and national championships, European grand slams and world championships in some of the best sailing venues in the world.

Get out more!

Simplicity is also embedded in every feature of the SB20, from the design of the cockpit, with all the controls at the crew’s fingertips, to the comfortable inboard seating that makes it easy for the team to talk to each other and discuss tactics. This arrangement also makes it easier for beginners to watch and learn from more experienced sailors and encourages less confident family members and reluctant friends to take part and feel welcome.

Easy and simple

The SB20 is all about simplicity and ease of use so that you spend more time on the water and make the most of your boat. Trail it, launch it, rig it and you’re sailing in about 30 minutes.

Rent-a-Raceboat

Rent-a-RaceBoat is a new venture of SBW to facilitate trying and racing the SB20 without having to buy a boat . At Hamble we have a number of SB20’s on VersaDocks, ready and equipped to go sailing. This set-up makes it very quick and simple to launch the boat.. You can rent these SB20’s from SBW for a season, just an event or a daysail.

Please contact Tony Castro tony.castro@sporstboatworld.com or call +44 (0) 7836 322 443 for more details.

Rent a Raceboat SB20

Benefits of owning a SB20

Established global fleets
Ultra competitive one design racing on sensible budgets
Competitively raced by a broad range of ages and mixed crews
Easy to transport and store keeping the hidden running costs to a minimum
Well organised events at the best venues

Awards and boat tests

Awards

The prestigious magazine “Sailing World” awarded the SB20 as Overall Sailing Boat of the Year Award – 2008

Boat Tests Reports

Boats.com, boat test: ‘SB20: new builder, new look’ by Rupert Holmes;

Yachts & Yachting, boat test: ‘SB20 restyled’ by Rupert Holmes;

Sailing World, boat test: ‘Laser SB3 review’ by Chuck Allen;

The Boat