Glass Slipper 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Glass Slipper 50 is rooted in the early days of fiberglass yacht manufacturing. Tyler Boat Co. Ltd., founded by Edward Tyler, transitioned from industrial applications of fiberglass to marine construction, with the Glass Slipper being their first known production yacht. Launched in 1960, this model was instrumental in showcasing the viability and potential of fiberglass for large-scale yacht building, a significant departure from traditional wood construction.

E.G. Van de Stadt, a celebrated figure in yacht design, was known for his philosophy of producing yachts that were not only fast but also manageable, considering factors such as hull form, weight, keel, rudder, and rigging in his comprehensive approach. This ethos is reflected in the Glass Slipper 50, which sought to blend performance with practical cruising capabilities. During her production run, the Glass Slipper 50 saw several variations. Early models featured a combination of wood for the deck and coach roof, while later versions transitioned to all-fiberglass construction. Furthermore, the design offered flexibility, with options for an aft cabin/center cockpit configuration and different keel types, including fin keel and keel/centerboard versions. Some of these yachts were finished by other yards, such as Anstey Yachts in the UK, and subsequently employed in the charter trade.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 48.33 feet and a waterline length of 35.43 feet, the Glass Slipper 50 was designed for a comfortable motion and capable performance. Her reported sail area of 1172 square feet, combined with a displacement of 36,000 lbs, gives her a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.94. This ratio suggests a yacht with moderate performance characteristics, likely requiring a decent breeze to truly come alive but offering a stable and powerful ride once underway.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio for the Glass Slipper 50 is approximately 361.9. This high figure firmly places her in the category of a heavy cruiser, indicative of a robustly built vessel designed for comfort and offshore capability rather than light-air racing. Her substantial displacement suggests a boat that will carry momentum well through a seaway and provide a steady platform in challenging conditions. The Glass Slipper 50 features a fin keel, which generally provides good maneuverability compared to a full keel, though with potentially less directional stability. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are not readily available, E.G. Van de Stadt's design principles emphasized manageability, suggesting a yacht that, despite its size and traditional cruising orientation, should be responsive at the helm. Unfortunately, the ballast weight for the Glass Slipper 50 is not consistently available in public specifications, preventing a precise calculation of her ballast-to-displacement ratio and a more detailed assessment of her stiffness.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the exact interior layout and amenities of the Glass Slipper 50 is not extensively detailed in publicly available resources. However, the notes from its design indicate that "aft cabin/center cockpit" versions were produced, suggesting a layout that prioritizes private sleeping quarters aft, often separated from the main salon and forward cabin. This configuration is characteristic of many larger cruising yachts of the era, offering distinct living zones for extended voyages or accommodating multiple guests. Given its substantial overall length and beam of 12.73 feet, the Glass Slipper 50 would undoubtedly offer considerable volume below deck for its time. Without specific interior diagrams or reviews, details on joinery, material finishes, storage solutions, or ventilation systems remain largely undocumented through grounded search.