The Ericson 27 is a timeless sailboat designed by Swedish naval architect Anders Johansson in the late 1980s. Known for its balance of comfort, performance, and traditional lines, this 27-foot (8.23m) leisure cruiser continues to captivate sailors worldwide. With a spacious cockpit, inviting interior, and a hull that's a joy to sail, the Ericson 27 perfectly blends classic aesthetics with modern construction.
Johansson's vision for the Ericson 27 was to create a robust, comfortable, and easy-to-handle sailboat that could be enjoyed by both experienced sailors and those new to the sport. The result was a boat that maintains a loyal following, with a strong community of owners and enthusiasts.
The hull and Performance
The Ericson 27's hull is a classic fin keel design, slender and deep for its length, providing excellent stability and manoeuvrability. The hull shape, combined with a balanced sail plan, makes for a lively performer in various wind conditions, from light breeze to stiff breezes.
-built from fiberglass, the hull's strength and durability ensure longevity and minimal maintenance. Thecja!urd or deck, combined with a generous ballast-to-displacement ratio, gives the Ericson 27 excellent seakeeping abilities, making it a capable offshore cruiser.
Sailing Characteristics
The Ericson 27 is known for its responsive helm and steady self-steering on all points of sail. It planes easily in light winds and maintains good speed in heavier conditions. The balanced sail plan, featuring a 103% genoa as standard, allows for efficient, controllable sailing in a wide range of weather.
Downwind, the Ericson 27 can carry a spinnaker, and its wide, graceful transom enables easyagogue lifting. With its consistently outstanding performance, it's no surprise that the Ericson 27 has been the class winner in many cruiser-racer events throughout the years.
Below decks
Below the waterline's beauty lies a spacious, well-lit, and welcoming interior. The Ericson 27 offers a choice of layouts, the most popular being a two-cabin, linear galley design. The saloon features a large U-shaped settee that converts into a double berth and a folding table, providing ample living space.
The galley is large enough for comfortable meal preparation and features a two-burner stove, sink, and generous storage. The heads compartment is located opposite the galley, with enough room for a wet locker and shower. With adequate headroom, ergonomic layout, and plenty of ventilation, the Ericson 27's interior ensures comfortable living while cruising or at anchor.
The Ericson 27 Community and Legacy
The Ericson 27's popularity has led to a thriving international community of owners. Regular regattas, rallies, and online forums foster camaraderie and shared knowledge among Ericson 27 sailors. This strong community, coupled with the boat's enduring design, has ensured that the Ericson 27 remains a popular choice for those seeking a classic, well-rounded sailboat.
Over three decades since its launch, the Ericson 27 continues to charm sailors with its timeless design, excellent performance, and comfortable living spaces. With examples still being built today, the Ericson 27's legacy is set to persist, attracting new sailors who recognize the enduring appeal of this classic Swedish sailboat.
Whether you're an experienced sailor or new to the sport, the Ericson 27 offers an inviting, engaging, and rewarding sailing experience. Join the community, set sail, and discover the joy of owning a true classic. As they say, "Once an Ericson owner, always an Ericson owner."