Designed by renowned Swedish naval architect Einar Ohlson and first launched in 1969, this 43.5-foot sailboat represents classic Scandinavian craftsmanship and seaworthiness. Built with various construction methods including wood, steel, and fiberglass depending on the yard, the Ohlson 44 embodies the robust design philosophy that made Swedish yachts internationally respected. With its moderate displacement of 24,500 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, this masthead sloop delivers excellent stability and confident handling in challenging conditions. The fin keel configuration provides good windward performance while maintaining reasonable draft for coastal exploration. A comfort ratio of 42.63 indicates a motion that favors long-distance cruising over racing, making extended passages more pleasant for crew and guests. The boat's conservative sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.05 and impressive capsize screening value of 1.59 demonstrate Ohlson's emphasis on safety and seaworthiness over pure speed. These characteristics make the Ohlson 44 particularly well-suited for serious offshore cruising and bluewater passages. The design's reputation for solid construction and predictable handling has earned it respect among experienced cruising sailors who prioritize reliability and comfort over racing performance in their quest for distant horizons.
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What is the Ohlson 44's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Ohlson 44 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.05. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Ohlson 44's comfort ratio?
The Ohlson 44 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 42.63. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Ohlson 44 safe for offshore sailing?
The Ohlson 44 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.59. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Ohlson 44?
The theoretical hull speed of the Ohlson 44 is 7.39 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Ohlson 44 weigh?
The Ohlson 44 has a displacement of 24,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 43.50 ft.
Who designed the Ohlson 44?
The Ohlson 44 was designed by Einar Ohlson, first built in 1969.