The Spacesailer 22 is a 22-foot (6.7m) long fibreglass yacht designed by local naval architect, Kim Swarbrick, in the 1970s. It is one of the more popular sized yachts in the ‘Spacesailer’ range which include 18, 20, 22, 24 and 27 foot models.
The SS22 was designed for high performance racing whilst at the same time providing simple and spacious accommodation for cruising at a reasonable cost. Today, there are over 50 SS22′s still in use in WA including over 20 at South of Perth Yacht Club, with yacht ages ranging from 15 to 30 years old. SS22′s are an ideal entry level yacht, priced from $5000-$8000 depending on age, refits, sails and extras. The yacht is easily sailed by a skipper and one crew when cruising.
For those interested in cruising, the standard interior layout includes four berths, sink, ice box and pop-top giving full headroom over most of the cabin area, and is an ideal short-range cruising yacht. An outboard of 2-6 HP is commonly used for auxiliary propulsion.
A crew of four (skipper + 3) is required for optimum racing performance. The SS22 fleet participate regularly in Saturday afternoon, Wednesday afternoon, and Frostbite racing events where competition is keen but good natured. The fleet benefits from being a single design with strict specifications which means all boats are equal & performance is governed by the skills of the crew. Friendly advice and assistance for novice skippers and crew is available from experienced people within the fleet.
For more information visit the association website at www.spacesailer22.org.au