Whitby 45 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Whitby 45 lies in a commission by Kurt Hansen of Whitby Boat Works to Cuthbertson & Cassian Ltd. (later C&C Yachts) in 1967. This period marked a transition in racing sailboat design, and C&C was at the forefront of creating boats that offered both speed and seaworthiness. Whitby Boat Works, under the guidance of Kurt and Doris Hansen, had evolved from building wooden dinghies to producing durable fiberglass yachts, establishing a reputation for solid, well-built cruising sailboats. The collaboration with C&C for the Whitby 45 brought together Whitby's robust construction ethos with C&C's innovative design philosophy, which emphasized performance-oriented lines, fin keels, and spade rudders for improved handling.

While the main production run of the Whitby 45 concluded in 1970, a very limited number of Whitby 45 MkII models were built after 1980. These later versions featured a reduced draft (6 feet) due to a redesigned, longer, and thicker cast lead keel, along with a more vertical, swept-back rudder. The deck was also raised slightly to enhance headroom, and the coachroof was extended, leading to a completely redesigned interior layout, though the sail plan remained consistent.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Whitby 45 was designed as a performance cruiser, a characteristic reflected in its specifications. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.5, the vessel demonstrates moderate light-air performance while still being manageable as winds increase. Her impressive ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.48, where 11,500 lbs of lead ballast support a total displacement of 23,800 lbs, indicates a very stiff and stable platform, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of roughly 296 places the Whitby 45 firmly in the heavy cruiser category. This suggests a robust, substantial vessel that prioritizes seaworthiness and comfort over outright speed. Anecdotal descriptions of her sailing characteristics have drawn comparisons to other well-regarded C&C designs of the era, such as the C&C 35 MkII, implying a responsive yet predictable handling experience. Her fin keel and spade rudder design contribute to her agility and tracking ability, allowing for precise steering and good maneuverability despite her substantial size. The hull speed of 7.7 knots further solidifies her capabilities as a capable passage maker.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout details for the original Whitby 45 are scarce, boats of its era and design pedigree typically offered practical and comfortable accommodations suitable for extended cruising. With a length overall of 45 feet, she would have provided ample living space below deck. Given Whitby Boat Works' reputation for quality construction, the interior likely featured robust joinery, often incorporating warm wood finishes, which was common for well-regarded fiberglass cruisers of the time.

Based on general practices for yachts of this size and vintage, the Whitby 45 would have featured a traditional layout, likely including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Storage would have been prioritized for extended voyages, with lockers and drawers throughout. The redesign of the MkII version, which saw the deck raised and the coachroof extended to increase headroom, and the elimination of the cockpit divider, suggests an emphasis on enhancing interior volume and flow, indicating that even the earlier models would have aimed for comfortable living spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Whitby 45, like those of many classic C&C and Whitby vessels, often praise the boat's solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. The robust fiberglass hull and quality build materials of Whitby Boat Works, combined with C&C's design expertise, generally result in boats known for their longevity and ability to handle challenging conditions. While specific online discussions dedicated to common problems for the Whitby 45 are not widely available, owners of similar C&C-designed Whitbys frequently highlight the enduring appeal of their classic lines and comfortable motion. The enduring community surrounding Whitby-built boats speaks to a general satisfaction among owners regarding the durability and cruising capabilities of these vessels.