Ocean 75 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Ocean 75 commenced in 1976. Southern Ocean Shipyard, active from 1959 until its closure in 1987, became known for its commitment to robust construction, utilizing hand-laid marine grade glassfibre reinforced polyester, often surpassing Lloyds' stringent standards. This manufacturing ethos ensured the exceptional strength and durability crucial for serious offshore sailing, a hallmark shared by the Ocean 75. The designer, E.G. Van de Stadt, was celebrated for an approach that prioritized the highest possible levels of speed, safety, and comfort in his creations. The Ocean 75, as an extended version of the proven Ocean 71, benefited from this philosophy, aiming to offer enhanced space and capability. While Southern Ocean Shipyard produced various iterations across its model lines, specific variations like a MkI or MkII for the Ocean 75 are not commonly noted in available records.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ocean 75 is a monohull ketch with an overall length of 75 feet and a waterline length of 60 feet, displacing a substantial 85,800 pounds. This robust displacement, combined with a reported sail area of 2,648 square feet, translates to a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.83. This relatively high figure suggests that the Ocean 75 possesses good performance characteristics, particularly in lighter wind conditions, allowing her to move efficiently despite her considerable size.

Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio stands at around 177.3. This places the Ocean 75 on the lighter side for a large bluewater cruiser of her era, indicating a design that balanced comfortable cruising capabilities with a more performance-oriented approach, rather than being an ultra-heavy, traditional displacement vessel. The yacht's maximum draft of 8.42 feet, coupled with a fin keel, contributes to her upwind efficiency and stability. While specific ballast figures are not available to calculate a Ballast to Displacement ratio, her overall design and the builder's reputation for seaworthy yachts imply a stable platform. Owners can expect a vessel designed to handle diverse sea states with composure, offering a comfortable motion offshore. She has a theoretical hull speed of 10.38 knots and is noted to have a cruising speed of 8 knots and a max speed of 10 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Given the Ocean 75's impressive dimensions, including a beam of 17.33 feet, she was designed to offer expansive and comfortable accommodations, typical of a large custom or semi-custom bluewater ketch from Southern Ocean Shipyard. While detailed interior layouts and specific headroom figures for the Ocean 75 are not readily available in public records, the builder's reputation for quality suggests a well-appointed interior finished with marine-grade materials, likely featuring extensive wood trim and robust joinery.

Such a yacht would typically feature multiple cabins, often including a spacious owner's suite, guest cabins, and crew quarters. A large salon, a well-equipped galley suitable for offshore cooking, and multiple heads would be standard. Storage would be generous throughout the vessel, designed to accommodate extended periods at sea. Ventilation would likely be achieved through numerous opening ports and hatches, crucial for comfort in various climates. These yachts were built for luxurious private use or demanding charter operations, emphasizing both functionality and comfort for those embarking on long-distance voyages.