Tartan Yachts Introduces the All-New Tartan 27
An American icon returns—reimagined for a new generation of sailors
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July 18, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Tartan Yachts is proud to unveil the reimagined Tartan 27 cruising yacht, marking the return of the model that first introduced generations of sailors to the brand. This launch celebrates Tartan’s heritage as an American yacht manufacturer, honoring its inaugural design with a modern interpretation built for today’s cruising sailor.
More than sixty-five years after the original Tartan 27 helped define accessible performance cruising, the new model returns with the same balanced sailing qualities, timeless proportions, and enduring craftsmanship that established the Tartan name. These qualities are now enhanced through advanced construction methods, refined hydrodynamics, updated systems, modern electronics, and thoughtfully optimized ergonomics.
“Opportunities to carry forward the tradition and legacy of a historic brand are rare—sometimes they come only once in a lifetime,” said Chris Duer, CTO of Tartan Yachts. “The new Tartan 27 represents our commitment to understanding what made generations of sailors fall in love with Tartan and ensuring those same values continue to inspire the next generation.”
Rather than recreating the past, the new Tartan 27 builds upon it. Inspired by the original 1961 Sparkman & Stephens design, the yacht preserves the classic profile and practical cruising spirit that made the original an enduring favorite, while incorporating progressive materials, engineering, and sail-handling systems. The result is a modern under-30-foot yacht that sets a new benchmark for performance, accessibility, and class in its segment. With a sophisticated air and understated luxury, the Tartan 27 reflects the brand’s signature character while offering an approachable entry point for first-time owners and a rewarding return for experienced sailors.
The all-new Tartan 27 is the product of a close collaboration between Tartan Yachts and renowned naval architect Bill Prince of Bill Prince Yacht Design. The partnership unites Tartan’s six decades of experience building premium cruising yachts with Prince’s expertise in modern naval architecture. Guided by a shared vision, the teams conceptualized the legendary Tartan 27 with refined hull geometry, contemporary construction methods, and carefully considered ergonomics—preserving the sailing characteristics and timeless elegance that defined the original while elevating its performance and usability.
“Working with the Tartan team was about preserving a philosophy as much as a design,” said Bill Prince. “Together, we created a yacht that carries the unmistakable character of the original while giving owners the confidence, comfort, and ease of handling they expect from a modern cruising yacht.”
Designed for sailors who value simplicity as much as capability, the Tartan 27 is equally at home daysailing with friends, enjoying weekends away, exploring coastal waters, or competing in local club racing. The yacht has been engineered to be confidently sailed by one or two people, with a balanced hull form, self-tacking jib, efficient sail plan, simple tiller steering, and uncluttered deck layout that make getting underway remarkably easy.
Construction reflects the same philosophy found throughout the Tartan fleet. Vacuum-infused composite laminates, structural foam cores, bonded structural grids, and Tartan’s proven hull-to-deck engineering produce a yacht that is stronger, stiffer, lighter, and more dimensionally consistent, while maintaining the solid, reassuring feel synonymous with the brand.
Above deck, traditional design cues—including a graceful sheer, restrained brightwork, clean coachroof profile, and opening transom—blend seamlessly with modern ergonomics and hardware placement. Below deck, a bright and inviting interior features a practical cruising layout with an enclosed head, L-shaped galley, comfortable main salon, forward V-berth, and generous aft double berth, delivering the warmth and craftsmanship expected of a Tartan within a remarkably efficient footprint.
Measuring 27 feet 10 inches overall with a 9-foot 3-inch beam, a displacement of 7,500 pounds, and a powerful 440-square-foot upwind sail plan, the new Tartan 27 combines dependable performance with a manageable size. The boat is equipped standard with a deep keel, or an optional shoal-draft keel with centerboard extends the yacht’s versatility across a wide range of cruising grounds.
For Tartan, the introduction of the new 27 represents more than the launch of another model—it marks the return of the yacht that first introduced countless sailors to the brand and reflects a renewed commitment to creating yachts that are approachable and built without compromise.
The new Tartan 27 is designed to welcome first-time Tartan owners while rekindling memories for those who have loved the brand for decades. It offers the quality and sailing pedigree of Tartan’s flagship models in a size that encourages spontaneous afternoons on the water, quiet weekends at anchor, and a lifetime of unforgettable moments.
“The Tartan 27 is a modern expression of the values that have defined Tartan for generations: balance, craftsmanship, seaworthiness, and restraint,” said Jon Duer, CEO of Tartan Yachts. “We wanted to build a boat that owners would use often—a yacht that’s approachable without ever feeling ordinary.”
About Tartan Yachts
Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Painesville, Ohio, Tartan Yachts is an American builder of premium sailing yachts known for performance, craftsmanship, and innovation. Tartan designs and builds a range of sailboats and daysailers for cruising and performance sailors worldwide and manufactures high-performance composite components such as carbon fiber spars, parts, and fittings.
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Tartan Yachts
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