Celestial 46 Information, Review, Specs

The Celestial 46 began production in 1985, emerging from the vision of Bryce Fuhriman, who also founded Xiamen Celestial Yacht Ltd. The builder embarked on creating a line of cruising sailboats known for their robust construction and liveaboard comfort. While a specific end year for the Celestial 46's production isn't widely cited, the builder's focus shifted from producing its own "Celestial" branded vessels to becoming a dedicated builder for established American yachting brands like Passport and Outbound Yachts after 2002. This suggests that the production of models like the Celestial 46 likely ceased around the early 2000s, aligning with the yard's strategic transition. The Celestial 46 features a fin (shoal draft) keel and a masthead ketch rig, indicative of its design as a capable and stable cruising platform.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Celestial 46 exhibits characteristics typical of a heavy-displacement cruiser, designed for comfort and stability over outright speed. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, calculated at approximately 13.71, suggests that the boat will require a fair amount of wind to achieve its potential, indicating it's not optimized for light air performance. However, its Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of around 290.53 places it firmly in the heavy cruiser category, contributing to a comfortable and steady motion in a seaway.

This focus on comfort is further supported by its Comfort Ratio of 38.20, which suggests a more comfortable ride than many comparable sailboat designs. Additionally, with a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.72, the Celestial 46 demonstrates good initial stability, a crucial attribute for offshore sailing. Overall, anecdotal descriptions of the Celestial 46 indicate it is a well-behaved and stable vessel, providing a secure and confident sailing experience, particularly appreciated on longer passages where comfort and seaworthiness are paramount.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Celestial 46 are not extensively documented in available public records, the builder's reputation for prioritizing "liveaboard comfort" and the boat's "spacious" hull design provide insight into its typical accommodations. Given its generous beam of 13.5 feet and overall length, the Celestial 46 would traditionally offer ample interior volume for a comfortable cruising experience. Arrangements typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining area, a well-appointed galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Cruisers of this size and era often incorporated practical storage solutions and durable, often wooden, finishes to withstand the rigors of extended voyages. The ketch rig also allows for a shorter main mast, which can contribute to more flexible interior layouts and potentially greater headroom in the salon area, enhancing the liveaboard appeal.