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About the Ensign
About the Ensign...
The Ensign is the largest class of full keel sailboats in North America, with over 1800 boats manufactured since 1962. Designed by Carl Alberg, its sustained popularity is due to very solid and durable construction, and a design that lends itself equally and admirably to comfortable family cruising, enjoyable day sailing, and close, strategic, tactical racing. The Ensign Class is one of the strongest national organizations, with numerous local fleets from coast to coast.
As a family day sailor, the Ensign has a large, deep cockpit, with enough room to comfortably seat six to eight adults. Its full keel provides a secure, stable ride, and its three foot draft makes it perfect for the shallower waters of bays and lakes and for anchoring fairly close to a protected shore. The cabin space is more than adequate for keeping lots of gear dry and can shelter two in a storm.
As a day sailor, the Ensign is a really enjoyable performer. The helm has a nice feel on all points of sail, and the boat has a versatile head sail inventory, including a working jib, a blade, #2 and #1 genoas, and a spinnaker. Single handing is easy and exhilarating with the main and blade combination, especially if one includes the optional cabin top winches. For even easier head sail handling, it can be equipped with a roller furler.
The Ensign is 22 and 1/2 feet long, weighs about 3,000 pounds, and is best raced with a crew of four. Favored by former dinghy sailors and cruisers alike, it has no lifelines and therefore many dinghy techniques (hiking, roll tacking, etc) can be used effectively. Racing is very close, strategic and tactical, with older boats performing just as well as the newer ones. The 2025 national champion was built in 1967, and the prior year's champion was built in 1966... testimony to the solid construction and durable design of the boat. The Ensign Class Association promotes and develops one design racing under uniform class rules and rigidly maintains the one design features of the Ensign.
Find a fleet near you, or to arrange a ride, contact one of our
Regional Commanders
.
Sponsor Number
URL address
Sponsor 1
https://www.quantumsails.com/en/default
Sponsor 2
http://www.triadtrailers.com/
Sponsor 3
http://www.ussailing.org
Sponsor 4
http://www.northsails.com
Sponsor 5
http://www.spectrumphotofg.com
Sponsor 6
http://www.defender.com
Sponsor 7
http://www.ensignspars.com
Sponsor 9
http://www.patterson-marine.com
Sponsor 10
https://stores.crsapparel.com/ensign_class/shop/home
Sponsor 11
https://zbloksun.com/
ENSIGN CLASS Sponsors