Apollo 16

Description

Overview of the Apollo 16 Sailboat The AMF Apollo 16 is an American fiberglass sailing dinghy designed by renowned Canadian naval architect Bruce Kirby (also known for the Laser) as a one-design racer and recreational daysailer. Built by the Alcort division of American Machine and Foundry (AMF) starting in 1977, this 16-foot monohull is trailerable and beach-launchable, ideal for beginners, families, or club racers on lakes, bays, or calm coastal waters. It features a fractional sloop rig, a retractable kick-up centerboard for shallow draft, and a spacious cockpit for 2–4 people, emphasizing simplicity, stability, and ease of handling. The boat's lightweight construction allows for responsive performance and planning in moderate winds, but it's not suited for heavy weather or offshore use due to its open design and limited flotation (though it has some positive buoyancy). With 1,100 units produced, it's relatively common in the used market, and an active racing class keeps it alive today. This model was AMF's entry into the growing daysailer market, leveraging Alcort's expertise from the Sunfish, and it's often praised as a "true one-design" with minor racing modifications allowed.