Designed by Peter Hatfield and first launched in 1969, this substantial 47-footer represents classic British cruising yacht philosophy with its emphasis on seaworthiness and comfort over racing performance. The Discovery 47's generous beam of 12.83 feet and substantial displacement of 26,080 pounds create a stable, spacious platform well-suited for extended offshore cruising and coastal exploration. The masthead sloop rig with 972 square feet of sail area provides adequate power while remaining manageable for a cruising crew. Her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration offers a good balance between directional stability and maneuverability, making her suitable for both open ocean passages and close-quarters marina work. With a comfort ratio of 34.28, this yacht prioritizes crew comfort over speed, reflecting her intended role as a long-distance cruiser rather than a performance boat. The capsize screening formula of 1.73 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work, while her 7-foot draft provides reasonable access to most cruising destinations without severely limiting shoal water exploration. The fiberglass construction typical of her era ensures durability and relatively straightforward maintenance, making the Discovery 47 an appealing choice for serious cruising sailors seeking a proven offshore platform.
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What is the Discovery 47's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Discovery 47 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.76. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Discovery 47's comfort ratio?
The Discovery 47 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 34.28. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Discovery 47 safe for offshore sailing?
The Discovery 47 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.73. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Discovery 47?
The theoretical hull speed of the Discovery 47 is 8.04 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Discovery 47 weigh?
The Discovery 47 has a displacement of 26,080.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 47.00 ft.
Who designed the Discovery 47?
The Discovery 47 was designed by Peter Hatfield, first built in 1969.