Designed by renowned naval architect William H. Tripp Jr. and built by Columbia Yachts between 1971 and 1973, this substantial cruising sailboat represents classic early-1970s offshore sailing philosophy. With only seven hulls produced during its brief production run, the Columbia 52 remains a rare find in today's market. This masthead sloop configuration delivers impressive performance for extended cruising and offshore passages. The fin keel with rudder on skeg provides excellent directional stability while maintaining good maneuverability in tight quarters. At nearly 52 feet overall with a generous 13-foot beam, the design offers spacious accommodations without sacrificing seaworthiness. The robust construction features a substantial displacement of 38,000 pounds with 50% ballast ratio, contributing to exceptional stability and sea-keeping abilities. Her moderate sail area delivers respectable performance while remaining manageable for shorthanded sailing. The comfort ratio of 44.47 indicates a motion that favors stability over quick response to waves, making long passages more pleasant for crew. With a capsize screening formula of 1.55, this yacht demonstrates the conservative design approach typical of serious offshore cruisers from this era. The Columbia 52 suits experienced sailors seeking a capable, traditional cruising platform for extended voyaging and comfortable coastal exploration.
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What is the Columbia 52's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Columbia 52 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.78. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Columbia 52's comfort ratio?
The Columbia 52 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 44.47. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Columbia 52 safe for offshore sailing?
The Columbia 52 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.55. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Columbia 52?
The theoretical hull speed of the Columbia 52 is 8.45 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Columbia 52 weigh?
The Columbia 52 has a displacement of 38,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 51.83 ft.
Who designed the Columbia 52?
The Columbia 52 was designed by William H. Tripp Jr., first built in 1971.