Inland 20 Scow

Inland 20 Scow Sailboat

The Inland 20 Scow (I-20) is a fast, exciting 20-foot two-person racing sailboat that delivers big-boat thrills on inland lakes. Known for its distinctive scow hull, powerful sail plan, and modern asymmetric spinnaker, the I-20 planes easily, accelerates quickly, and rewards active, tactical sailing. Whether blasting downwind or fighting for inches upwind, the Inland 20 offers pure performance with every puff.

Evolved from classic Midwest scow designs and refined with modern rigging and sail technology, the Inland 20 has become one of the most exciting one-design racing boats under 20 feet. It combines cutting-edge speed with a strong class culture focused on fair racing, skill development, and camaraderie on and off the water.

Performance & Design Highlights

• Length: 20 ft

• Crew: 2 sailors

• Hull: Flat-bottom scow with twin bilgeboards

• Rig: Fractional sloop

• Sails: Mainsail, jib, and asymmetric spinnaker

• Steering: Twin rudders for control at speed

• Construction: Lightweight, stiff hull for planing performance

Designed to excel in light to moderate inland-lake conditions, the Inland 20 is responsive, forgiving, and incredibly fast off the wind — making it a favorite for sailors who want adrenaline without complexity.

One-Design Racing & Class Community

The Inland 20 is sailed strictly as a one-design class, meaning competition is decided by crew skill, boat handling, and tactics — not equipment spending. Supported by an active national class association, Inland 20 sailors enjoy well-run regattas, shared tuning knowledge, and a welcoming culture for new teams entering the fleet. In addition to great support, the class offers ease of entry with the availability of competitive used boats often under $2,000. A listing of used boats is maintained at the class website linked below.

From competitive club racing to regional and national championships, the Inland 20 offers a clear pathway for sailors looking to sharpen skills and race at a high level.

Why Sail the Inland 20 at Indian Lake Yacht Club

Indian Lake is an outstanding venue for Inland 20 sailing. Its wide-open reaches, steady breezes, and inland-lake conditions are perfectly matched to the I-20’s scow design and planing ability. The boat’s shallow draft and bilgeboards handle Indian Lake’s conditions with ease, while the spinnaker turns downwind legs into unforgettable rides.

At Indian Lake Yacht Club, Inland 20 sailors benefit from:

• A growing one-design racing culture

• Strong club racing programs and regatta support

• Easy launching and storage

• A welcoming community of performance-oriented sailors

Whether you’re stepping up from smaller dinghies, transitioning from keelboats, or looking for a thrilling two-person race boat, the Inland 20 at Indian Lake Yacht Club delivers speed, competition, and fun in equal measure.