Corsair 45 (Homan & Pye) Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Corsair 45 lies with Holman & Pye, a distinguished design bureau founded by Kim Holman in the 1950s, later joined by Don Pye in 1961. The firm became renowned for its diverse portfolio of yacht designs, with the Corsair 45 representing their approach to larger cruising yachts in the early 1970s. During this period, Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. played a pivotal role in the fiberglass yacht revolution. Founded by Edward Tyler, who had a background in innovative material applications, Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. became a leading laminator of high-quality GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) hulls and decks. This specialized expertise meant that many iconic yachts of the era, including the Corsair 45, benefited from Tyler's robust fiberglass construction techniques. Tyler Boat Co. Ltd.'s operations as a boatbuilder concluded after 1978, making the Corsair 45 a product of a significant period in British yacht building history. Notably, the Corsair 45 was available in a fin keel configuration with a maximum draft of 6.99 feet, but also offered a keel-centerboard version with a variable draft of 5.25 feet (up) to 10.5 feet (down), alongside an optional yawl rig, providing versatility for different sailing preferences and cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Corsair 45 exhibits a blend of spirited performance and comfortable stability, characteristics evident in its design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 19.74, she is well-powered for her size, suggesting good responsiveness and the ability to perform admirably in lighter air conditions. The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 35.91% indicates a reasonable degree of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a breeze effectively and maintain an upright position. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of approximately 316.73 classifies the Corsair 45 as a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her a stable and reliable vessel for offshore passages rather than a light-displacement racer. These combined attributes suggest a yacht designed for comfortable, confident cruising with the capability to cover significant distances efficiently.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed interior layouts or extensive photographic documentation for the Holman & Pye Corsair 45 are not widely available through grounded search. However, as a large cruising yacht of its era, the Corsair 45 would typically have featured a conventional, well-appointed interior designed for comfort and extended living. Common arrangements for vessels of this size in the 1970s included multiple cabins, a spacious salon for dining and socializing, a dedicated galley for meal preparation, and a marine head with shower facilities. The use of warm wood finishes, robust upholstery, and ample storage would have been standard, reflecting the cruising ethos of the time. Ventilation would likely be provided by opening ports and deck hatches to ensure comfort in various climates. While precise headroom measurements are not available, a vessel of this size would generally offer standing headroom throughout much of the main cabin area.