Standfast 43 Information, Review, Specs

The Standfast 43 began production in 1985. Its creation is deeply rooted in the design philosophy of Frans Maas, the visionary behind Standfast Yachts, who emphasized elegant lines, robust construction, and excellent sailing characteristics. While Frans Maas was the primary naval architect associated with the Standfast brand, the Standfast 43 specifically benefited from the design talents of Ed Dubois, known for crafting high-quality, seaworthy sailing yachts. The shipyard's ethos, guided by Maas, focused on meticulous craftsmanship and the production of vessels that were "race winners" while also being comfortable cruisers.

Standfast Yachts embraced fiberglass construction, allowing for the precise replication of sophisticated designs while ensuring structural integrity. A notable characteristic of the Standfast 43, mentioned in its specifications, is the existence of a version with a shorter coach roof, suggesting a degree of flexibility in production or design variations during its build run. The builder's philosophy often allowed for client input on aspects like interior layout, further customizing each vessel, 10, 12].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Standfast 43 is built with a fin keel and a spade rudder, a combination known for providing splendid maneuverability. Her design ratios suggest a balanced approach to performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.7, she is well-powered and capable of performing admirably in lighter air, allowing for responsive sailing even when the wind is not robust.

Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.42 (42%), indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio also contributes to a good righting capability, enhancing safety in challenging conditions. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 274 places the Standfast 43 in the moderate weight category, leaning towards a heavier, more traditional cruiser, which typically translates to a smooth and comfortable ride through waves. These characteristics make the Standfast 43 well-suited as a bluewater cruising boat, offering stability and seaworthiness for offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts could vary due to the builder's flexibility in accommodating client input, 10, 12], Standfast yachts are generally known for their well-appointed and comfortable accommodations. The interior of the Standfast 43 typically features high-quality teak joinery and fine teak veneer over light substrates, reflecting the yard's commitment to superior craftsmanship and classic aesthetics. Though specific headroom details are not widely documented, yachts of this size and era generally offer ample standing room in the main salon.

Common to yachts designed for cruising, the Standfast 43 would likely feature a practical layout including a comfortable main salon, a functional galley for meal preparation, and private sleeping cabins, often with a V-berth forward and potentially quarter berths aft. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout, essential for extended cruising. The overall interior design prioritizes comfort and durability, aligning with the yacht's offshore capabilities.