Castle 550 Sailboats for Sale

Hull Type

Monohull · lifting

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

18' · 5.49 m

Disp.

1,102 lbs · 500 kg

First year

1980

The Castle 550 is a seminal Australian trailer sailer that redefined the expectations of performance and portability in the 18foot class. Designed by Bill Castle in the late 1970s, this compact cruiserracer was engineered specifically to meet the demands of the Australian trailering community, offering a blend of competitive speed and basic overnight accommodation. Despite its modest length of 5.5 meters, the "550" earned a reputation as a "pocket rocket" due to its lightweight fiberglass construction and an efficient hull form that allows it to plane in moderate breezes. It remains a staple of the Australian trailer yacht scene, favored by sailors who prioritize ease of rigging and spirited performance over voluminous interiors.