What length overall measures
The length overall is the length of the boat. It is measured in a straight line from the bow, which goes ahead, to the stern, which sits behind. It is the lengthways measurement, the easiest one to picture.
When someone wants a quick idea of a sailboat’s size, they ask about the length overall. A larger figure usually means a bigger boat, with more space on board and more presence in the water.
What it means on board
Our sailboats Aemón and Ayla have a length overall of 14.40 metres. It is a generous size. Over that length there is room for four double cabins, a sun deck to soak up the sun and a shaded area to rest from the heat.
That spaciousness matters to us. We work with small groups, a maximum of nine passengers per outing. With that length, each person has their own space and you are not cramped. You can move about, find your favourite corner and take in the sea calmly.
The sea is not a stage and we do not sell an excursion, we share an experience. A boat with room to spare helps the day stay peaceful rather than crowded. That steadiness also gives stability when we sail.
A detail to remember
The fourteen-plus metres of length overall are most noticeable when you compare them with fast powerboats. A sailboat of this size moves gently and spreads the roll more evenly. The sailing feels more measured and pleasant.
Together with the beam, which is the width, the length overall makes up the portrait of the boat. If you know those two figures, you get a fairly faithful picture of the vessel before stepping aboard. In the case of Aemón and Ayla, we are talking about roomy sailboats, designed to enjoy the south-west of Tenerife without haste.
