Roy 43 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nautivela Roy 43 began production in 1984, emerging from the Argentinian shipyard founded by Percy Sly in 1970. Nautivela quickly gained recognition for its "ROY" series, which embodied the company's philosophy of constructing "fast, comfortable, and safe" sailing yachts. The design of the Roy 43 was entrusted to the globally respected German Frers, a designer known for creating yachts with excellent sailing characteristics and timeless aesthetics.

Frers' design for the Roy 43 features a masthead sloop rig and, notably, a keel/centerboard configuration. This allows for a variable draft, ranging from a minimum of 5.42 feet with the board up to a maximum of 9.42 feet when deployed. This design choice provides significant advantages for cruising, enabling access to shallower anchorages and less-traveled waterways while still offering enhanced upwind performance and reduced leeway offshore. While detailed design philosophies specific to the Roy 43 are not widely documented, Frers' general approach often emphasizes elegant lines combined with efficient hydrodynamics and robust construction, qualities that are evident in the Roy 43. Nautivela Shipyard continued new boat construction until 1991, with the Roy 43 being one of the larger models in their esteemed series.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nautivela Roy 43's design specifications translate into a sailboat with noteworthy performance and handling characteristics. With a reported sail area of 865 square feet and a displacement of 22,320 pounds, her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio calculates to approximately 17.52. This ratio suggests a yacht that is reasonably powered and capable of performing well across a range of wind conditions, offering a good balance between light-air speed and control in heavier breezes.

The yacht's substantial ballast of 11,020 pounds, resulting in an impressive Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of nearly 0.49, indicates a very stiff and stable vessel. This high ballast ratio means the Roy 43 is designed to stand up to a significant amount of wind, providing a comfortable motion and instilling confidence in challenging sea states. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, at approximately 234.9, places her in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser. This suggests a boat that is neither overly heavy and slow, nor ultralight and twitchy, but rather a well-proportioned vessel capable of covering distances efficiently and comfortably. The inclusion of a centerboard keel further enhances her versatility, allowing for optimized performance both in deep waters and when navigating shallow areas. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Roy 43, like many German Frers designs, is a well-balanced and responsive boat at the helm.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout diagrams for the Nautivela Roy 43 are not extensively published, available information suggests a design typical for a 43-foot center cockpit cruiser of its era, with a generous maximum interior headroom of approximately 6.56 feet (2.00 meters). These vessels generally prioritize comfortable living spaces for extended cruising.

Expect a layout that typically includes a private aft cabin, often considered the master, with its own access and possibly an en-suite head. The main salon would likely feature a U-shaped or settee seating arrangement around a dining table, potentially convertible into an additional berth. A functional galley, often located in the walkthrough to the aft cabin or along one side of the main salon, would include a stove, oven, refrigeration, and ample storage. A forward cabin, usually a V-berth, would provide additional sleeping quarters, often sharing a forward head with the salon. The overall finish quality in Nautivela yachts, consistent with the builder's ethos of comfort and safety, would likely feature durable materials and practical design, though specific details on wood trim, ventilation, and storage would vary between individual boats and depend on owner customizations.