Pirate 17 trailer sailer, designed by Ian Proctor for Rydgeway Marine as a swinging keel or fin keel. Proctor was already famous for his classic dinghy designs such as the Wayfarer, Osprey, Gull, Wanderer, Topper, Bosun, Kestrel and Tempest, and the Nimrod trailer-sailer.
The Pirate was one of Ian Proctor’s two designs for Rydgeway Marine, the other being the 19 foot Prelude. Launched early 70’s and later offered by Ryplas as the Express Pirate with twin bilge keels designed for drying moorings.
The Express Pirate was offered in kit form for home completion in 1978. Some improvements over the original design included a king post to support the downwards thrust of the mast. However, the additional ballast needed by shallower keels, and the drag of two keels instead of one, did result in a slight loss of speed compared with the original versions.
The Pirate / Express Pirate yacht is lively and responsive and rewarding to sail and perform well when sailing close to the wind. it can be sailed easily sail single handed and are a dry boat to sail. Cabin size is generous and provides 3 adult berths although the cockpit can get a little crowded with 3 adults.
Length : 5.26m
Beam : 2.07m
Weight : 568 kg
Sail Area : 145 sq ft
Portsmouth Yardstick : 1110
Berths : 3
Comments
Owner of Pirate 17 sail no. 244 in South Africa.
Drop keel version.
Excellent craft!