Sailmaster 45 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sailmaster 45 emerged from the drawing boards of Sparkman & Stephens as design #1618.2, a firm celebrated for producing yachts that combined elegant aesthetics with strong sailing performance. While specific design philosophy for this model is not widely documented, Sparkman & Stephens' broader ethos typically focused on creating seaworthy vessels capable of both comfortable cruising and competitive racing. The Sailmaster 45, with its reported similarity to the Seafarer 45, likely aimed to offer a capable and comfortable platform for coastal or offshore passages.

Production of the Sailmaster 45 began in 1963 at Werf Gusto in the Netherlands. This was an unusual undertaking for Werf Gusto, a shipyard primarily renowned for its heavy industrial, specialized steel vessels like dredgers and offshore rigs, rather than leisure yachts. The transition to fiberglass yacht construction for such a limited run suggests a unique, possibly experimental, venture for the shipyard. The fact that only three units were built further underscores its rarity and perhaps indicates that it did not align with Werf Gusto's long-term production strategy, which heavily favored robust engineering for demanding commercial operations. Although advertised by Sailmasters Inc. in the USA in 1965, the precise number of boats finished or sold by them remains uncertain, highlighting the limited impact of this model on the wider market.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sailmaster 45, with a length overall of just over 45 feet and a waterline length of 30.33 feet, presents the characteristics of a substantial cruising yacht. Its performance ratios provide insight into its likely behavior under sail. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.25 suggests a moderately powered vessel. This indicates that while capable, the Sailmaster 45 might not be a light-air flyer, performing best with a good breeze or as a steady platform in stronger conditions, rather than excelling in marginal winds.

With a Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.321, the Sailmaster 45 indicates a design focused on a comfortable motion and general stability rather than extreme stiffness under sail. This ratio is on the lower side for maximum stiffness, suggesting that while stable, she might exhibit a more tender initial heel, translating to a smoother ride in a seaway. The yacht's Fin Keel hull type, a common design for performance and maneuverability, contributes to its tracking and upwind ability.

The Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/LWL) calculates to approximately 1003 (using the D in lbs / (0.01 * LWL in ft)^3 formula), placing the Sailmaster 45 firmly in the category of a very heavy displacement cruiser. This high ratio is indicative of a robustly built vessel designed for strength and comfort over raw speed, capable of handling challenging sea states with a deliberate and powerful motion. Despite its heavy displacement, some sources suggest a "speedy hull design" and describe it as "slimmer than 98% of all other designs" when compared to similar sailboats, which may refer to a relatively narrow beam-to-length ratio, contributing to its seakindliness through the water. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.38 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Sailmaster 45 is limited due to the extremely low production numbers. However, based on its 45-foot length, its classification as a cruiser, and its era, a typical layout for a Sparkman & Stephens design of this size would prioritize comfort and seaworthiness. Available information suggests that some configurations, particularly for a yawl version, included a private aft stateroom, offering enhanced privacy for owners or guests.

Given its overall dimensions and the common practices of the 1960s, the interior would likely feature a traditional arrangement with a V-berth forward, a main salon providing seating and dining areas, a galley, and a head compartment. Storage would have been a significant consideration for a cruising yacht of this size. While specific headroom details are not available, a yacht of this length typically offers comfortable standing headroom throughout much of the main cabin. Construction materials would likely have featured a blend of fiberglass for the primary structure and hull, complemented by a significant amount of wood trim and joinery for a classic, warm aesthetic. The deep and heavy displacement hull would have allowed for generous interior volume compared to more modern designs.