Description
The North American 23, also known as the Spirit 23 after 1978, is a trailerable fiberglass cruiser-racer sailboat produced by North American Yachts (a division of Glastron) from 1976 to 1978 and continued under Spirit Yachts until 1981. Designed by Robert Finch, this 23-foot monohull is ideal for day sailing, weekend cruising, or club racing on lakes, bays, or coastal waters. It features a masthead sloop rig, options for a centerboard or fixed keel, and a compact cabin that sleeps 4, balancing performance with cruising comfort. Owners praise its responsive handling, racing pedigree (it won regional regattas in the 1970s), and ease of trailering, though it’s not suited for offshore passages due to its light displacement. The boat’s durable fiberglass construction makes it a favorite for restoration among vintage sailboat enthusiasts, though older models may need rigging or engine updates.
This model is distinct from other “American” branded sailboats, such as the American 12 Kingfisher or American 18 by American Sail Inc., and is part of the North American Yachts lineup, which focused on versatile, affordable designs during the 1970s sailing boom.
