Midshipman 52 (Cheoy Lee-Wittholz) Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Midshipman 52 commenced in 1977. Cheoy Lee Shipyard, a family-owned business with a history spanning over 150 years, largely transitioned away from building sailing yachts by 1990, making the Midshipman 52 a product of their prominent sailing era. Charles W. Wittholz, who studied naval architecture at the University of Michigan and MIT, designed hundreds of vessels throughout his illustrious 50-year career, with many of his designs, including the Midshipman 52, going into production with builders like Cheoy Lee. Wittholz's design philosophy for the Midshipman 52 focused on creating a capable cruiser, signified by its "Midshipman Centerboard Fullpower Cruiser" designation, marrying robust performance with practical versatility.

Cheoy Lee Shipyard played a pioneering role in marine construction during the 1960s and 70s, being among the first to extensively develop and utilize fiberglass and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) with foam sandwich technology. This innovative approach ensured the Midshipman 52 benefited from a strong and long-lasting fiberglass hull, reflecting the builder's ethos of crafting dependable and globally capable vessels. A key design feature of the Midshipman 52 is its keel/centerboard hull type, offering a unique blend of performance and shallow-water accessibility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee-Wittholz Midshipman 52's design characteristics point to a vessel engineered for comfortable and stable cruising. With a reported sail area of 1,348 square feet and a displacement of 44,450 pounds, the boat has a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.18. This moderate ratio suggests competent performance across a range of wind conditions, rather than a focus on light-air racing, which is typical for a dedicated cruiser.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at approximately 0.315 (31.5%), which indicates a moderate level of stiffness. While not exceptionally high, this, combined with its heavy displacement, contributes to a stable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 287.85 firmly places the Midshipman 52 in the heavy displacement category, emphasizing comfort, load-carrying capacity, and seakindliness during extended voyages.

A defining feature of the Midshipman 52 is its keel/centerboard configuration, which allows for remarkable versatility in its operating draft. The minimum draft of 5.5 feet (with the centerboard up) enables access to shallower anchorages and waterways, while the ability to drop the centerboard to a maximum draft of 12.0 feet significantly enhances upwind performance and overall stability in more challenging offshore conditions. This adaptable keel design is a significant asset for cruisers planning diverse itineraries. While specific anecdotal descriptions of its handling are not widely detailed in general reviews, its ketch rig, heavy displacement, and centerboard design suggest a boat that is powerful, easy to manage with a divided sail plan, and provides a comfortable motion even in substantial seas.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific original interior layouts for the Midshipman 52 are not extensively documented in available public information, Cheoy Lee's general reputation for quality and craftsmanship provides a strong indication of its interior appointments. Cheoy Lee yachts of this era were typically known for their traditional, well-finished interiors, often featuring extensive use of high-quality teak joinery and robust construction materials. Given its substantial length overall of 51.5 feet and a generous beam of 14.5 feet, the Midshipman 52 would undoubtedly offer a spacious and comfortable living environment suitable for long-term cruising or living aboard.

Interior arrangements would typically include multiple private cabins, a large salon, a well-appointed galley, and heads, designed to maximize comfort and utility for extended voyages. The vessel's fullpower cruiser designation implies ample tankage for fuel (550 gallons) and water (350 gallons), supporting self-sufficiency for extended periods. Owners of similar Cheoy Lee models have often praised the warmth and classic appeal of the teak interiors. Although exact headroom details are not specified, the substantial freeboard and overall volume of a vessel this size suggest ample standing room throughout the main living areas.