Description
The Banno Old World (commonly called the Banno Old World 18 or simply Old World 18) is a charming, traditional small daysailer/cruiser designed by an unknown naval architect (no definitive designer is credited in available records or sailboat databases), built by Banno (a small or regional American builder, likely in the early 1980s), and first introduced around 1982–1983. Production appears limited (exact numbers are not documented, but surviving examples suggest a short run of perhaps dozens of hulls, as it's a niche, semi-obscure fiberglass gaff-rigged boat discussed sporadically in boating forums). Outstanding characteristics include its classic gaff sloop rig with wooden spars (mast ~18 ft tall, often heavy but authentic to the "old world" aesthetic), fiberglass hull for durability and low maintenance, shallow draft with centerboard for easy trailering/beaching and gunkholing, compact yet functional layout with storage in bow and under seats (suitable for 2–4 people daysailing or short overnights), tanbark-red or traditional sails (including options like ballooners or spinnakers in some builds), forgiving and stable handling for beginners or relaxed sailing, and a nostalgic appeal as a unique, eye-catching little traditional boat—often praised by owners for its character, ease of rigging, and fun in light-to-moderate winds despite requiring restoration on many examples due to age and occasional water intrusion issues.
