Sly 43 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Sly 43 is rooted in Sly Yachts' overarching vision, established in 2005 by Sandro Franchini, to produce a new class of sailing yacht that seamlessly integrated racing pedigree with luxury cruising amenities. The builder prioritized advanced hull design, lightweight construction, and cutting-edge solutions, focusing not only on performance but also on safety. The Sly 43, entering production in 2013, embodies this philosophy, showcasing the brand's know-how in planning and design, further enhanced by Nauta Design's contribution to its stylish interiors. While specific variations during its production run are not widely detailed, the yacht consistently delivered on Sly Yachts' promise of combining exhilarating performance with refined onboard living.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sly 43 is engineered for spirited performance, evidenced by its impressive design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 28.42, she possesses a large sail plan relative to her displacement, suggesting exceptional performance, particularly in lighter air where she is likely to accelerate quickly and maintain speed with ease. Her Displacement to Length ratio, a low 155.69, further confirms her classification as a light, performance-oriented vessel, designed for agility and speed.

Despite her emphasis on performance, the Sly 43 also demonstrates a degree of stability, primarily through her bulb keel, which concentrates ballast low for improved righting moment. While her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.32 is on the lower side, the design of the keel contributes significantly to her ability to stand up to a breeze. Reviews describe the Sly 43 as an "ideal performance cruiser" that is "very handy around the twilight cans," suggesting a responsive and enjoyable sailing experience. Her fractional rig, a common choice for performance cruisers, allows for efficient sail management and contributes to her "very fast sailing capabilities," akin to a "sports car" on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sly 43, meticulously designed by Nauta Design, reflects a focus on luxurious comfort and intelligent space utilization, commensurate with its billing as a luxury cruising yacht. Nauta Design's careful work on space is particularly evident in the saloon, which features a multi-adjustable dinette table, offering flexibility for dining and lounging. As a vessel exceeding 42 feet in length overall, the Sly 43 typically offers a well-appointed interior arrangement. While specific details on the number of cabins or precise layout elements such as V-berths, galleys, and heads are not extensively published, luxury cruisers of this size generally provide comfortable sleeping accommodations, a functional galley for meal preparation, and a marine head, all finished with high-quality materials and stylish aesthetics that were a hallmark of Sly Yachts. Ample storage and good ventilation would be expected features, contributing to a comfortable living environment for extended cruising.