Design & Construction
The hull form is a study in purposeful cruising design. With a waterline length of 36.09 feet and a generous beam of 13.06 feet, the boat carries her 27,558-pound displacement easily. The ballast figure of 8,818 pounds contributes to a respectable 32 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio, providing the stiffness needed to stand up to a breeze. Her construction is straightforward and proven: a solid fiberglass hull laid up by a yard with deep experience in building seagoing vessels. The underbody configuration pairs a fin keel drawing 5.91 feet with a rudder mounted on a skeg, a classic combination that balances windward performance with the directional stability and protection valued in an offshore boat.
Rig & Handling
Rigged as a masthead sloop, the Regina 43 spreads her sail plan from a powerful, easily managed platform. Under power, an 85-horsepower diesel engine provides ample thrust to push this substantial yacht at a theoretical hull speed of 8.05 knots, ensuring she can maintain schedule when the wind goes light. The skeg-hung rudder promises steady tracking offshore, while the fin keel's moderate draft keeps gunkholing options open without a deep penalty in upwind ability.
Accommodations
While specific interior layouts vary, the boat's dimensions outline a voluminous living space. The tankage figures reveal a yacht set up for extended independence: a cavernous 396-gallon water capacity dwarfs the 14-gallon fuel tank, suggesting the builder prioritized long-term liveaboard comfort and self-sufficiency at anchor or on passage, with the assumption that the primary range comes from sail power.
Known Issues
As with any fiberglass yacht of this vintage, a pre-purchase survey should focus on the structural integrity of the hull laminate and the attachment points for the keel and skeg. The original diesel engine and its associated systems, though robust, will require a thorough mechanical inspection for corrosion and wear typical of a marine environment. The relatively small fuel capacity of 14 gallons, while consistent with a pure sailing auxiliary philosophy, means that any prospective owner planning significant motoring will need to consider a bladder or tankage modification.
Refits & Ownership
A Regina 43 entering a second or third ownership cycle is a prime candidate for thoughtful modernization. Common refit points include updating standing rigging on the masthead sloop plan, replacing aging electronics, and renewing the plumbing connected to the large water tankage. The boat's simple, robust fiberglass construction makes structural repairs straightforward for any competent yard. Ownership of this model is less about chasing the latest design fashion and more about preserving a well-conceived, capable cruising platform that was designed from the outset for serious voyaging.
The Verdict
The Regina 43 is a conservative, well-founded cruising yacht from a respected Swedish builder. She prioritizes comfort, stability, and seakeeping over light-air speed, with a rig and underbody that favor controllable, confident progress at sea.
Pros
- High ballast-to-displacement ratio and skeg-hung rudder inspire offshore confidence.
- Massive water capacity supports extended cruising and liveaboard independence.
- Manageable masthead sloop rig designed for shorthanded sailing.
- Fiberglass construction from an established yard with a strong reputation.
Cons
- Very limited fuel capacity restricts motoring range without modification.
- Modest sail-area-to-displacement ratio suggests performance may be lackluster in light air.
- Draft of nearly six feet, while moderate, may limit access to the shallowest anchorages.
