2015 ClubSwan 36 vs 1978 Sabre 30 — Comparison

2015 ClubSwan 36
VS
1978 Sabre 301978 Sabre 30

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 ClubSwan 361978 Sabre 30
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanSabre
Year20151978–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUSA
DesignerJuan KouyoumdjianRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA11.00 m (36.1 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)7.47 m (24.5 ft)
Beam3.30 m (10.8 ft)2.97 m (9.7 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,451 kg (3,199 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)37.0 m² (398 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths45
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
1978 Sabre 30
15.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
1978 Sabre 30
39.98
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
1978 Sabre 30
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37
1978 Sabre 30
20.59

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 1978 Sabre 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1978 Sabre 30 is a 1970s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was penned by Juan Kouyoumdjian. The 1978 Sabre 30 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 measures 11.00m (36.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1978 Sabre 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 2.97m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 1.86m longer than the 1978 Sabre 30. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 displaces approximately 32% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 Sabre 30, with an SA/D of 15.92 and 37.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1978 Sabre 30 has a comfort ratio of 20.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 40.0% for the 1978 Sabre 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 40L of fuel. The 1978 Sabre 30 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1978 Sabre 30 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1978 Sabre 30 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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