The world of pleasure boating offers an impressive variety of sailboats, but certain models stand out for their versatility and accessibility. The Sunbeam 22.1 is one of those small nautical treasures that deserves special attention. This compact sailboat, designed for coastal navigation and weekend getaways, combines seaworthiness and onboard comfort in a reduced format. Produced by the Austrian shipyard Schöchl, this family cruiser has won over a loyal clientele in Europe thanks to its careful construction and balanced performance.
The Schöchl Shipyard: An Austrian Heritage of Excellence
Founded in 1956 by brothers Wilhelm and Friedrich Schöchl in Mattsee, near Salzburg in Austria, the Schöchl Marine GmbH shipyard has built a solid reputation in quality boat building. Despite its location far from the coast, this builder has developed recognized expertise in manufacturing robust and elegant sailboats.
Schöchl’s DNA is based on values of quality, reliability, and performance. The shipyard has specialized in producing sailboats under the “Sunbeam” brand, which has become synonymous with careful construction and well-thought-out details. Their philosophy: creating boats that are seaworthy, comfortable, and accessible to families.
Over the decades, Schöchl has expanded its range while maintaining these founding principles, offering sailboats from 22 to 50 feet. The family business has managed to navigate through the times by adapting to evolutions in the nautical market, while preserving its identity and commitment to Austrian quality.
The Sunbeam 22.1: A Small Cruiser with Big Ambitions
Designed by naval architect Josef Schöchl in collaboration with the J&J Design studio, the Sunbeam 22.1 was launched in 2016 and is still in production today. This 6.70-meter (22-foot) sailboat aims to offer the feel of a true cruiser in a compact and affordable format.
The Sunbeam 22.1 positions itself in direct competition with other popular small cruisers like the Jeanneau Microsail, the Bénéteau First 21.7, or the Dehler 22. In this “pocket cruiser” segment, the Austrian model stands out for its particularly careful construction and its surprising interior layout for its size.
What characterizes this sailboat is its versatility: small enough to be towed on a trailer and easily launched, but spacious enough to allow comfortable coastal cruising with a reduced crew. The Sunbeam 22.1 is primarily aimed at beginner or intermediate boaters looking for a manageable boat capable of offering real sailing sensations.
Marine Qualities: Small Format, Great Stability
The Sunbeam 22.1 distinguishes itself with remarkable marine qualities for a sailboat of this size:
- A stable hull with a fixed keel offering good balance
- A predictable and reassuring behavior, even in choppy seas
- Good upwind ability, with honorable performance
- A simple and efficient sail plan, easy to master with a reduced crew
- Appreciable maneuverability, particularly in harbor maneuvers
Its polyester construction and reinforced structure give it a reassuring solidity. The cast iron keel, relatively deep for its size (approximately 1.20 m), ensures good stability. The Sunbeam 22.1 remains comfortable in small coastal swells and safe for family outings.
In terms of rigging, this sailboat is equipped with a simple mast with fractional rigging and a standard sail set including a mainsail and a furling genoa. This configuration allows for quick handling while offering good sensations at the helm.
Interior Layout: The Art of Optimizing Space
For a sailboat of only 22 feet, the Sunbeam 22.1 offers surprisingly functional and comfortable interior layouts:
The main cabin offers:
- Sufficient headroom to stand upright in the central part
- A double berth forward, convertible into a lounge
- Two side benches convertible into single berths
- A compact galley corner with stove, sink, and storage
- A minimalist but practical toilet cabinet
- Numerous cleverly distributed storage spaces
The use of light wood for the interior layouts creates a warm and bright atmosphere, reinforced by several panels and portholes that ensure good natural ventilation.
The chart table, although modest, offers the necessary space for preparing coastal navigation. The central saloon can comfortably accommodate 4 people for meals.
Complete Technical Specifications of the Sunbeam 22.1
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 6.70 m |
| Width | 2.50 m |
| Draft | 1.20 m |
| Displacement | Approximately 1,400 kg |
| Ballast | Approximately 550 kg |
| Sail area close-hauled | Approximately 24 m² |
| Architect | Josef Schöchl with J&J Design |
| Shipyard | Schöchl Marine GmbH (Austria) |
| Year of design | 2016 |
| Navigation category | C (coastal navigation) |
| Capacity | 4-5 people for sailing, 2-4 for sleeping |
| Engine | Outboard 5-8 HP |
| Water tank | Approximately 40 liters |
| Headroom | 1.75 m maximum |
The Sunbeam 22.1 remains today a sought-after sailboat on the second-hand market for its qualitative construction and versatility. Its small size, which allows for trailer transport, combined with its marine qualities, makes it an interesting option for boaters wishing to get into coastal cruising without excessive investment.
This model perfectly illustrates the philosophy of the Schöchl shipyard: offering accessible sailboats without compromising on build quality and sailing sensations. For fans of simple and authentic sailing, the Sunbeam 22.1 represents an excellent choice, whether for day trips or extended weekends along the coast.