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Sailboat Specifications

Whitby 55

Staysail Ketch · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Ted Brewer · Built by Whitby Boat Works Ltd. (Can) · First built 1982

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LOA 55.00 ft  ·  Beam 15.42 ft  ·  Displacement 54,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 1,360.00 ft²  ·  Staysail Ketch  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Whitby 55 Sailboat

Designed by renowned naval architect Ted Brewer and built by Canada's Whitby Boat Works beginning in 1982, this substantial 55-footer represents classic bluewater cruising philosophy at its finest. The staysail ketch rig configuration offers excellent sail handling versatility for shorthanded crews, while the balanced sail plan provides reliable performance across varying wind conditions. With her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder arrangement, the Whitby 55 strikes an ideal balance between directional stability and maneuverability. The generous beam of over 15 feet creates exceptional interior volume and contributes to impressive stability characteristics, reflected in her excellent comfort ratio of 45.51. Her substantial displacement of 54,000 pounds and deep draft make this yacht particularly well-suited for serious offshore passage making and extended cruising. Brewer's design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness over speed, evident in the boat's moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio and robust construction standards. The fiberglass hull construction typical of Whitby's reputation delivers durability that has proven itself across decades of global cruising. This yacht appeals particularly to cruising couples seeking a proven platform capable of handling challenging offshore conditions while providing comfortable long-term liveaboard accommodations.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 55.00 ft / 16.76 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
Beam 15.42 ft / 4.70 m
Max Draft 6.58 ft / 2.01 m
Displacement 54,000.00 lb / 24,494 kg
Ballast 16,000.00 lb / 7,257 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,360.00 ft² / 126.35 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Ted Brewer
Builder Whitby Boat Works Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1982
Related Sailboats Tayana 55 · Hylas 55 · Islander 55 · Endeavour 54 · Alden 54
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model MD-30
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 110
Fuel Capacity 300 gals / 1,136 L
Water Capacity 300 gals / 1,136 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Whitby 55's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Whitby 55 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.3. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Whitby 55's comfort ratio?

The Whitby 55 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 45.51. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Whitby 55 safe for offshore sailing?

The Whitby 55 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.64. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Whitby 55?

The theoretical hull speed of the Whitby 55 is 8.99 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Whitby 55 weigh?

The Whitby 55 has a displacement of 54,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 55.00 ft.

Who designed the Whitby 55?

The Whitby 55 was designed by Ted Brewer, first built in 1982.