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Sailboat Specifications

Whitby 45

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Spade Rudder

Designed by George Cuthbertson · Built by Whitby Boat Works Ltd. · First built 1968

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LOA 45.00 ft  ·  Beam 12.00 ft  ·  Displacement 23,800.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 913.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Spade Rudder
About the Whitby 45 Sailboat

Celebrated among bluewater cruising enthusiasts, the Whitby 45 has earned a loyal following as a capable and seaworthy offshore passage-maker. Designed with long-distance cruising firmly in mind, this vessel reflects an era of sailboat building that prioritized comfort at sea, solid construction, and dependable performance over long passages rather than racing accolades or coastal day sailing. The Whitby 45 carries a reputation for being a well-balanced cruiser that inspires confidence in challenging conditions, making it a practical choice for sailors planning extended ocean passages or liveaboard adventures. Its layout and design philosophy lean toward functionality and self-sufficiency, qualities that resonate strongly with experienced bluewater sailors who prioritize reliability and sea-keeping ability above all else. For those researching a serious offshore cruising platform, the Whitby 45 warrants close attention. Used examples tend to attract buyers who are drawn to its proven track record on extended voyages, and the boat maintains a dedicated community of owners who speak highly of its handling characteristics and overall build quality. Careful inspection of any individual example is always recommended given the age of most hulls available on the market.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
Beam 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Max Draft 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Displacement 23,800.00 lb / 10,795 kg
Ballast 11,500.00 lb / 5,216 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 913.00 ft² / 84.82 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer George Cuthbertson
Builder Whitby Boat Works Ltd.
First Built 1968
Last Built 1970
Related Sailboats Irwin 45 · Morgan 45 2 · Formosa 46 · Fuji 45 · Apache 45
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Whitby 45's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Whitby 45 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.73. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Whitby 45's comfort ratio?

The Whitby 45 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 36.72. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Whitby 45 safe for offshore sailing?

The Whitby 45 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.67. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Whitby 45?

The theoretical hull speed of the Whitby 45 is 7.7 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Whitby 45 weigh?

The Whitby 45 has a displacement of 23,800.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 45.00 ft.

Who designed the Whitby 45?

The Whitby 45 was designed by George Cuthbertson, first built in 1968.