Columbie 66 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Columbia 66 are defined by Bill Tripp’s signature approach to the IOR (International Offshore Rule) era: a powerful sail plan, a heavy displacement hull, and a distinctive flush deck. With a displacement often exceeding 60,000 pounds, the boat possesses immense momentum and "sea-kindliness," allowing it to power through heavy chop that would slow smaller vessels. Despite its weight, the high aspect ratio of its rig ensures it remains surprisingly capable in light air, provided the right canvas is deployed.

Handling such a vessel requires a competent crew or significant modern mechanical assistance. Originally designed for a full racing complement, many 66s have been retrofitted with hydraulic winches and furling systems to allow for short-handed cruising. According to historical technical summaries from the Columbia Yacht Owners Association, the boat tracks exceptionally well upwind due to its deep keel and significant lateral plane, though its beam and displacement make it a handful in tight marina maneuvers without a bow thruster.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Columbia 66 is nothing short of cavernous. The flush-deck design—a rarity for production boats of this size in the 1970s—allows for a vast, open-concept main salon that many owners have likened to a "ballroom." This layout provides nearly 7 feet of headroom throughout much of the vessel. Because these were often built to semi-custom specifications for affluent owners, internal configurations vary significantly.

Standard layouts typically featured a massive owner’s stateroom aft with private head and shower, multiple guest cabins forward, and often a dedicated crew quarters near the bow. The use of rich teak joinery and oversized ports creates a bright, airy atmosphere that contrasts with the "cave-like" interiors of many contemporary racing yachts. Sibling models of the era, such as the Columbia 57, shared similar aesthetic DNA but lacked the sheer volume and "grand staircase" feel of the 66.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Columbia 66 gained notoriety through its participation in major offshore races like the Transpac and the Newport Bermuda Race. One of the most famous hulls, The Hungry Tiger, became a well-known fixture on the California racing circuit, proving that the 66 was more than just a luxury cruiser. The model’s presence in the 1970s sailing media helped cement Columbia Yachts' reputation as a builder capable of scaling up to the highest tiers of the market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach a vessel of this age and scale with a rigorous inspection protocol. Due to the era of construction, several technical "gotchas" are common:

• Deck Core Integrity: The massive flush deck is a balsa-cored sandwich. Over fifty years, moisture ingress around stanchions and oversized hatches is a common culprit for delamination. A percussion test and moisture meter reading across the entire deck surface are mandatory.
• Chainplate Anchors: Given the immense loads generated by the 66-foot rig, the stainless steel chainplates and their fiberglass attachment points should be inspected for crevice corrosion and stress cracking.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The Columbia 66 utilizes a heavy-duty mechanical and chemical bond at the sheer line. On yachts that have been raced hard, this joint can show signs of weeping or structural fatigue.
• System Obsolescence: Many of these boats still carry original plumbing and electrical harnesses. The cost of rewiring a 66-foot yacht is substantial and should be factored into any acquisition price.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical documentation is the Columbia Yacht Owners Association, which maintains a repository of original blueprints and hull-specific histories. While there is no longer an active factory presence for these vintage models, the association provides a vital link for sourcing hardware or consulting with other owners who have tackled major refits on these "Queen of the Fleet" vessels.

The Verdict

The Columbia 66 is a vintage powerhouse that offers an unparalleled amount of fiberglass "real estate" for the price. It is a vessel for the traditionalist who values heavy-weather stability and mid-century modern design over contemporary "light and fast" construction.

Pros:

• Stunning Aesthetics: The Tripp-designed flush deck remains one of the most beautiful profiles in yachting history.
• Massive Volume: Exceptional interior living space that rivals modern 70-footers.
• Built Like a Tank: Overbuilt solid fiberglass hull provides a sense of security in offshore conditions.

Cons:

• High Maintenance Costs: Every repair—from bottom paint to sail replacement—is scaled to its 66-foot length.
• Complex Handling: Requires significant skill or mechanical upgrades for shorthanded sailing.
• Aged Systems: Most units require extensive modernization of electrical and plumbing infrastructure.