Celestial 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Celestial 50 commenced in 1991. While the exact end year of its production run is not definitively noted in all records, examples suggest production continued into the early 2000s. The design was penned by Bryce Fuhriman, aligning with the ethos of Xiamen Celestial Yacht Ltd, a builder renowned for creating durable, liveaboard-friendly cruising sailboats. During this era, Xiamen Celestial Yacht Ltd focused on producing vessels that offered robust construction and solid cruising performance, a philosophy clearly embodied in the Celestial 50. The model was notably offered with versatile rigging options, available either as a ketch or a cutter. Additionally, some variations of the Celestial 50 were produced with a pilothouse configuration, further enhancing its suitability for extended cruising and protection from the elements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Celestial 50's design metrics clearly position it as a heavy-displacement cruiser, built for stability and comfort in challenging conditions. With a displacement of 32,400 lbs and a waterline length of 40.5 feet, its Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) calculates to a substantial 487.95. This high ratio signifies a heavy, traditional cruising boat, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway and the ability to carry significant stores, rather than a design optimized for light-air performance. The Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.52 further supports this, suggesting that while capable, the Celestial 50 is not designed to be a particularly fast boat in light wind conditions.

Its ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at approximately 0.37. While not indicating exceptional stiffness, this still provides a solid foundation for stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze. Owners frequently praise the large, protected cockpit, which is a significant advantage for offshore sailing, offering security and comfort to the crew. Some discussions among sailors suggest that given its hull shape and heavy displacement, the Celestial 50 exhibits characteristics akin to a motor sailer, implying reliable performance even when motoring through calm conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout diagrams are less common, the Celestial 50 is designed for long-term comfort and liveability, typical of a robust cruiser. The substantial hull volume afforded by its dimensions—a length overall of 50.75 feet and a beam of 13.5 feet—allows for generous interior space. With a considerable water capacity of 396 gallons, the vessel is well-suited for extended periods offshore without frequent resupply. Although specific headroom figures are not consistently published, the design intent for a comfortable liveaboard cruiser suggests ample standing room throughout the main living areas. Interiors are generally anticipated to be well-appointed, focusing on durability and practicality for life at sea, consistent with the reputation of Xiamen Celestial Yacht Ltd for robust construction and liveaboard comfort. Owners often seek vessels that offer practical storage solutions and good ventilation for long voyages.