The original Ensign was designed by Carl Alberg and built by Pearson Yachts of Bristol, Rhode Island. From 1962 to 1983, Pearson built 1776 Ensigns. In the following 18 years the only Ensigns that were available were existing boats. That all changed in the year 2000, when Ensign Spars, Inc. became the official licensed builder of the new Ensign Classic. Through a unique arrangement with the Ensign Class Association, Ensign Spars is the only official licensed builder of the new Ensign Classic. Built to original specifications, the Ensign Classic is the same boat Pearson Yachts built; a design that has lasted through the years, making old, restored Ensigns competitive with new Ensigns built by Ensign Spars. 2013 brought about one more change, when ownership transferred from Zeke Durica to Chad Lewis, and the Ensign building business moved up to Marquette, Michigan. In the words of Chad Lewis, “…I am honored to carry on the tradition of building and restoring Ensigns. It is my opinion that no one “owns” Ensign Spars, they just take care of it for a generation and then pass it on to the next person”.
The Ensign is the best family day sailor/racer ever designed. Ideal for family daysailing the Ensign is by far the perfect boat to teach your family how to learn the art of small boat sailing. Its roomy cockpit (to sail in, instead of on) holds up to 8 sailors at a time. Despite its full keel displacement and handling characteristics it has positive floatation, making the Ensign a very safe boat. For the more serious sailor the Ensign is an ideal racing boat. With its 4 head sail inventory, 140 sq. ft. Main, 150 sq. ft. No. 1 Genoa, and 375 sq. ft. Spinnaker, the Ensign can turn into the optimal 3 to 4 person racing machine. Although the Ensign is mostly raced as a one-design sailboat its PHRF rating is between 254 to 270 which it can easily sail to.
When you join the racing fun you will enjoy Regional and National competition, and over 45 active fleets throughout the U.S. The Ensign National Class Association (ECA) is one of the oldest and most well-respected Class Associations in existence. The Ensign Nationals have the reputation of being a best kept secret in one-design racing. Ensign Nationals are still raced with a group of excellent sailors. The ECA believe in having the highest quality of racing but with fun and togetherness as the catalyst.
Concentrating on detail and workmanship, Ensign Spars Inc. is dedicated to creating a more custom built boat than the original production boat. The company incorporates over 34 years of sailing these beautiful little yachts in order to make new and improved additions to modernize them. The Ensign Classic conforms to the strict one-design rules that all the previous 1962 Ensigns have endured. Class legal options not available in the 60’s are available to customize your new Ensign Classic.
Boat Profile: . . . . . . . . . . . .Hull Nos. 2000+
Model Name: . . . . . . .“The Ensign Classic”
Weight: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2850 lbs.
LOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22’-6”
LWL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16’-9”
Beam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7’
Draft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3’
Ballast (lead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1200 lbs.
Sail Area . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .201 sq. ft.
Standard Hull and Deck
Mahogany or Teak Coamings
Painted Bulkheads
Fiberglass Rudder
Fiberglass or Teak Seats and Floor
Lead Ballast, 1200 lbs.
Positive Flotation: closed cell foam in sealed lazarette, bunks, foredeck, cabin floor, and aft keel trunk.
Cruising or Racing Configuration Standing Rigging, Running Rigging, and Sails
