Mark Algra and a couple of mates recently took the BE20 on a Road Trip – ‘shaking out’ the BE20 on a trailer and then going on a screamer under spinnaker before setting down for the night in Port Owen.
Squarely aimed at the affordable and maybe home completed market the BE20 is unique in that it is being built in Cape Town – more famous for luxury catamarans and high speed machines destined for export.
With the state of the rand – exports are far more lucrative for local boat builders and very unfavourable for local sailors looking for an affordable entry level yacht.
So, Mark is onto what could be a good wicket.
The BE20 by Mark Algra is a fascinating project that sits at the intersection of high-tech engineering and classic “trailer-sailer” accessibility.
While many focus on the massive 60ft+ catamarans coming out of Cape Town, Mark Algra is building this 20-footer to prove that small boats can have “big boat” technology.
The BE20 is designed to be a high-performance, trailerable day-sailer/weekend cruiser.
Portability: Being a 20-foot (approx. 6m) boat, it is designed to be easily towed behind a standard SUV and launched from a slipway, avoiding expensive mooring fees.
Hull Shape: It features a modern, “slippery” hull design that mimics the lines of professional racing yachts but is scaled down for manageable single-handed or family sailing.
Mark Algra’s approach often involves using vacuum-infused composites or high-end plywood-epoxy methods to ensure the boat is incredibly light yet stiff.
Weight: Keeping the weight low is critical for its “trailerable” status.
The “Mark Algra” Touch: Known for being a meticulous craftsman in the Cape Town sailing community (often associated with high-performance boats at False Bay Yacht Club or Royal Cape), Mark’s builds are usually characterized by incredibly clean finishes and innovative rigging solutions.
The BE20 isn’t just a prototype; it has been seen competing in local regattas.
It has participated in events like the False Bay Yacht Club Spring Regatta.
Because of its design, it punches well above its weight class, often keeping up with larger 24–26 footers in light wind conditions.
Most local production is geared toward export (Leopard, Robertson & Caine). Mark Algra’s BE20 represents the DIY/Custom spirit of the local industry—building world-class, innovative boats for the local enthusiast who wants performance without the R10 million price tag of a blue-water cruiser.
Video:
The video is from when Mark took the yacht Shooting Star out in St Helena Bay and clocked 10,4 knots on that sail.
On the next sail Shooting Star clocked 11 knots and then another sail saw 13 knots.
