Design and Construction
The 452 measures 45 feet 2 inches on deck, with a 38-foot 4-inch waterline and a 14-foot 1-inch beam. The standard fin keel draws 6 feet 9 inches; the optional bulb/wing keel reduces draft to 5 feet 6 inches.
At a measured trim displacement of 26,500 pounds, with 10,200 pounds of ballast, the boat has a D/L ratio of 210 and an SA/D of 18.77. Those figures put it firmly in the go-fast cruiser camp rather than the traditional heavy-displacement category.
The hull is hand-laminated fiberglass with a balsa core. The deck is a single balsa-cored unit, with plywood added in high-stress areas. Below the waterline, buyers could substitute the bulb/wing keel for the standard fin. The spade rudder uses a carbon-fiber stock with a sacrificial lower 40 percent that lets the boat remain steerable even if most of the blade is lost.
The mast is keel-stepped but concealed below by a hinged closet. The enclosure opens in seconds and helps quiet the cabin.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
Sabre’s decision to give the 452 a tall, triple-spreader masthead rig made it a true sailor’s boat. The mainsail alone measures 525 square feet, with a luff just under 60 feet and a boom more than 19 feet long. The foretriangle has a J dimension of 17 feet 7 inches.
The builder asked Taylor to design the fastest 45-footer that could still pass beneath the 65-foot bridges of the Intracoastal. All halyards and sail controls lead aft through Lewmar stoppers to Lewmar winches beside the companionway. Lewmar 64 and 48 self-tailers handle jib and spinnaker trim. A test boat also carried the optional inner forestay for a storm sail or staysail.
Under power, the Yanmar 76 drove the boat at an effortless 7 knots at 2,600 rpm. With a full main and 110-percent jib in a 12-knot bay breeze, she accelerated to an estimated 6 or 7 knots.
Cockpit, Deck, and Equipment
The enormous T-shaped cockpit has a standard leather-padded 48-inch wheel, though a test boat carried a 52-inch wheel. A rounded rear seat sits behind the helm, and an Edson table fits neatly into the arrangement.
On the foredeck, a Simpson Lawrence electric anchor winch is paired with a deep locker and twin bow rollers. Harken winches, a Hallspar triple-spreader mast, and Navtec rod rigging complete the hardware package.
Accommodations
Below, the saloon is finished in cherry, with an ivory roof liner that brightens the space. Seven windows provide light, and three open for ventilation. Ten hatches add further airflow, while a slightly tall wooden toerail rounds out the boat’s livability.
To port, the U-shaped dinette converts to a double berth. The starboard settee serves as a single and makes a fine passagemaking berth. The navigation station, also to starboard, has a hinged chart table and its own upholstered bench.
The U-shaped galley is to port. It includes an icebox refrigerator, deep double sinks, a three-burner stove with oven, a microwave just aft, a stainless guard, and foot pumps.
Forward, the V-berth cabin provides standing room and a seat. Aft to starboard is a smallish double cabin with its own head. The main head includes a separate shower and even a laundry hamper.
Verdict
The Sabre 452 is a serious, go-fast cruising yacht that could set off almost anywhere at a moment’s notice. It trades some aft-cabin volume for a powerful, well-organized rig and a thoughtfully finished cherry interior. The rudder arrangement and bridge-clearance requirement also show that the builder engineered the boat with real offshore use in mind.
Pros
- Masthead rig with an enormous mainsail and tall foretriangle for light-air power
- Carbon-fiber spade-rudder stock with a sacrificial lower section for survivability
- Cherry-lined interior with a convertible dinette and dedicated sea berth
- Bridge-clearance design preserves Intracoastal access for a 45-foot boat
Cons
- Aft-cabin double berth is smallish
- Balsa-cored hull and deck require vigilance for moisture
- Fuel tankage varies by source, from about 70 to 100 gallons
