Ocean Racer 52 Information, Review, Specs

While the Ocean Racer 52 is a distinct model, it shares a design lineage with other Tripp-designed vessels of the era, such as the Columbia 50, though the LeComte version was built to a significantly higher specification. The hull was constructed of solid fiberglass at a time when the material was still being used with conservative thickness, resulting in a tremendously robust structure. Unlike its smaller sibling, the North East 38, the Ocean Racer 52 was often semi-customized, leading to subtle variations in rig height and interior appointments among the limited number of hulls produced.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Ocean Racer 52 is a powerhouse, particularly when reaching or beating in heavy air. With a design heavily influenced by the CCA rule, the yacht features relatively short overhangs compared to earlier designs but retains a graceful, seaworthy motion. According to historical design notes from Tripp Design, Bill Tripp Jr.’s philosophy focused on "powerful hulls with high stability," a trait that is evident in the 52’s ability to carry sail late into a building breeze.

The boat’s handling is characterized by a heavy-displacement feel; it tracks exceptionally well due to its deep fin keel and significant lateral plane, making it a comfortable "mile-eater" for coastal or transatlantic passages. Because it was designed before the era of light-displacement fin-and-spade configurations, the Ocean Racer 52 does not "surf" in the modern sense but rather mashes through a seaway with a sense of inevitability. The steering is typically firm, providing the helmsman with significant feedback, though the large sail area requires a disciplined crew or high-powered winches to manage the loads effectively.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Ocean Racer 52 is where LeComte’s Dutch heritage truly shines. While the exterior is a functional flush-deck racer, the cabin below is a sanctuary of hand-rubbed teak and master-grade joinery. Most hulls were configured with a traditional seafaring layout: a large navigation station and galley flanking the companionway for accessibility during heavy weather, followed by a spacious main salon with pilot berths and settee berths to maximize sleeping capacity during races.

A hallmark of this model is the "yacht-quality" finish that Dolf LeComte insisted upon. Owners from the era frequently noted that the cabinetry was fitted with a precision that surpassed contemporary American production builders. Variations often included a dedicated owner’s cabin forward and guest accommodations that could be closed off, though the flush-deck design naturally limits the vertical clearance at the extreme ends of the boat. The lack of a raised trunk cabin provides an exceptionally clean deck for sail handling but requires large overhead hatches and portlights to maintain airflow and natural light below.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a LeComte Ocean Racer 52 must approach the vessel as a classic restoration project or a well-maintained heirloom. The following areas are critical for inspection:

• Teak Deck Integration: Most Ocean Racer 52s were delivered with teak decks over an Airex-cored fiberglass laminate. Over decades, the thousands of screws securing the teak can allow moisture into the core. A thorough moisture meter test and percussion sounding are mandatory to check for delamination.
• Chainplate Anchors: Given the high rig loads of a 52-foot yacht from this era, the stainless steel chainplates and their attachment points to the hull should be inspected for crevice corrosion and stress cracking.
• Osmotic Blistering: While LeComte hulls are famously thick, early fiberglass resins are susceptible to osmosis. Prospective buyers should look for evidence of hull blistering or previous epoxy barrier coat treatments.
• Engine & Systems Access: As a semi-custom boat, the engine installations (often original Westerbekes or Perkins) can be tucked into tight spaces. Replacing legacy plumbing and 1960s-era wiring is usually necessary to bring the boat to modern safety standards.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical knowledge and historical documentation for these vessels is the Glen Island Yacht Club in New Rochelle, New York, which remains under the management of the LeComte family. While no formal "Ocean Racer 52 Class Association" exists due to the low production numbers, the broader LeComte owners' community provides a wealth of shared knowledge regarding Dutch construction techniques and sourcing period-correct hardware.

The Verdict

The LeComte Ocean Racer 52 is a "connoisseur’s yacht"—a vessel for the sailor who prizes structural integrity and classic aesthetics over modern interior volume and light-air acceleration.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Dutch joinery and solid fiberglass construction that outlasts many modern counterparts.
• Offshore Pedigree: A proven blue-water cruiser capable of handling severe weather with grace.
• Timeless Aesthetic: The flush-deck Tripp design remains one of the most beautiful profiles in the 50-foot range.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Teak decks and extensive brightwork require significant annual upkeep.
• Heavy Handling: Requires a strong crew or modern power-assisted systems to manage the large sail plan.
• Limited Ventilation: The flush-deck configuration can result in a warmer, darker interior compared to raised-deck cruisers.