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Devoti Sailing Begins SB20 Production Ahead of 2025 World Championship in Singapore

2nd December 2024
Devoti Sailing launches its SB20 production, gearing up for a vibrant winter season with new boats for upcoming championships
Devoti Sailing launches its SB20 production, gearing up for a vibrant winter season with new boats for upcoming championships

Devoti Sailing has officially launched production of SB20s as it prepares for an eventful winter season. With five new boats en route to Singapore for the SB20 Worlds in January 2025, the company aims to rejuvenate the class with its commitment to high performance and a reliable supply of boats and spare parts for owners globally.  

The SB20 World Council has welcomed this new era, collaborating closely with Devoti Sailing to ensure compliance with building specifications and World Sailing requirements since signing the license agreement.  

Chris Caldecoat, CEO of Devoti Sailing, expressed enthusiasm for the strong demand for high-quality boats: “Our goal is to offer a seamless, turn-key One Design experience for sailors worldwide.” With growing fleets across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., the SB20 Class is poised for growth. The upcoming championships in Ostend (Europeans 2025) and Hyères (Worlds 2026) have increased demand, with plans to produce three boats monthly.  

A stern view of a new SB20 under construction by Devoti boat buildersA stern view of a new SB20 under construction by Devoti boat builders

The SB20, recognised as a fast 20ft One Design keelboat, aims to remain accessible to all sailors.

Recent inspections by the SB20 Class International Measurer confirmed that new Devoti boats are compliant with the One-Design Class standards.   

Collaboration between the SB20 Class Association and Devoti will preserve strict building standards while exploring new production processes. “The Class will work closely with Devoti over the next 12 months to test new concepts,” said Scott Glanville, president of the SB20 Class Association.   

Devoti’s handcrafted boats highlight quality and perfection, ensuring smooth distribution through a global dealer network. Luca Devoti, President of Devoti Sailing, emphasised the company’s passion for boat building and commitment to the sport.   

In a statement, the class association expressed gratitude to past builder White Formula for their years of service.

Published in SB20
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SB20 (formerly Laser SB3) information

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors. It is also, arguably, the most successful sportsboat in the world with 800 owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market.

The Laser SB3 was designed by Castro and launched in 2002. In 2007 the Laser SB3 was awarded ISAF Recognised Status and the first World Championships were held in Ireland in 2008. In 2012, Tony Castro appointed a new builder, Sportsboat World. At this time, the Laser SB3 was renamed the SB20 and building was returned to the UK from Malaysia. The ethos of the class continues.

The boat is a strict one-design class, economic to buy and campaign, easy to sail with a simple deck layout and electric downwind performance delivered by the generous sail plan. The boat has a lifting keel, can easily be launched from a slipway and towed behind a family car.

Previous SB20 World Champions

2008 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Roger Gilbert, Roz Allen & Sarah Allan

Host National Yacht Club, Dun laoghaire, Ireland

2009 GBR: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heeley

Host Clube Naval de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal

2010 GBR: Jerry Hill, Grant Rollerson, Joe Llewellyn

Host Circolo Vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy

2011 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Andy Ramus, Ian Mills & Emma Clarke

Host Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Torquay, UK

2012 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Lesley Dhonau, Roger Hudson & Asenathi Jim

Host Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Queensland, Australia

2013 GRB: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heley Host COYCH Club, Hyeres, France