Luffe 45 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Luffe 45 in 2010 continued Luffe Yachts' tradition of meticulously handcrafted vessels. Oluf Jørgensen, the sole designer behind all Luffe models, instilled in the 45 his core philosophy of creating "slim, fast, and beautiful sailboats". The German boating magazine Yacht lauded the Luffe 45 as a "genuine sailing machine," a testament to Jørgensen's design objectives.

Luffe Yachts, known for its artisanal approach rather than mass production, integrated modern innovations into the Luffe 45. Notably, it was the first Luffe model to feature an integrated carbon grid, a structural element designed to efficiently manage loads from both the keel and the rig. This advanced construction technique underscores the builder's commitment to durability and performance. While production officially began in 2010, Luffe Yachts continues to evolve the design, with references to a "Luffe 45+" and a "LUFFE 45 anno 2025," suggesting ongoing refinement and new iterations of the model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Luffe 45 is rigged as a fractional sloop, a design choice that contributes to easier tacking, appealing to both cruisers and racers alike. With a reported sail area of 857 square feet and a displacement of 20,503 pounds, her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.28 suggests a lively performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions.

Her ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 35.5%, achieved with a 7,275-pound lead bulb keel. This provides a good balance of stiffness and stability, enabling the Luffe 45 to stand up to a fair amount of wind while maintaining a responsive feel at the helm. The boat's displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 140.38 indicates a relatively light and performance-oriented hull for its length, aligning with Oluf Jørgensen's emphasis on slim and fast lines. The Luffe 45 features a deep fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, contributing to its excellent maneuverability and tracking. Her maximum draft of 7.38 feet (or approximately 2.26-2.36 meters) means she requires deeper water, which is typical for a performance-oriented keel. Anecdotal evidence praises the Luffe 45 for its "unmatched elegance and performance," making for a thrilling sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Luffe 45 is described as offering a substantial interior, with one review noting it as "huge yet wonderful". The interior typically features a first-class finish, utilizing materials such as Khaya mahogany for woodwork and teak for flooring. Layouts often include three cabins, accommodating up to six berths, and two bathrooms, providing ample space for cruising families or a group of friends.

The interior arrangement commonly includes two aft cabins and a dedicated owner's salon forward. Luffe Yachts is known for offering a high degree of customization, allowing owners to determine almost every aspect of their yacht's interior design, ensuring each Luffe 45 is a truly bespoke creation. This focus on owner-specific layouts means that while a general arrangement exists, individual boats may vary significantly in their final fit and finish.