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Ansa 42
Designer: Ocke Mannerfelt  ·  Builder: Rex Marin / Ansa Sailing Ab  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Ansa 42

Built during the early 1980s, this French-designed cruising sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to bluewater sailing from the era when European builders were establishing their reputation for solid construction and seaworthy designs. The Ansa 42 emerged from a period when manufacturers prioritized strength and comfort over racing performance, resulting in a yacht well-suited for serious cruising adventures. With her moderate displacement and traditional lines, this sailboat appeals to sailors seeking a reliable platform for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages. The design philosophy emphasizes stability and interior volume, making her particularly attractive to couples or small families planning longer voyages where comfort becomes paramount. French maritime heritage shines through in the boat's construction quality and attention to detail. The Ansa 42 typically features a well-protected cockpit and thoughtfully planned interior spaces that maximize livability without sacrificing structural integrity. Her moderate beam and sensible proportions contribute to predictable sailing characteristics that inspire confidence in various weather conditions. While not designed for racing, this yacht rewards patient sailors with steady progress and comfortable motion in seaway conditions, making her an excellent choice for those prioritizing cruising comfort over speed.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 41.58 ft / 12.67 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 35.33 ft / 10.77 m
Beam 10.08 ft / 3.07 m
Max Draft 6.23 ft / 1.90 m
Displacement 12,900.00 lb / 5,851 kg
Ballast 6,610.00 lb / 2,998 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 696.00 ft² / 64.66 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ocke Mannerfelt
Builder Rex Marin / Ansa Sailing AB
First Built 1979
Related Sailboats ["J/41" · "Sabre 42" · "Aphrodite 42" · "Us 42" · "Cooper 416"]
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
90
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
20.32
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
24.69
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.72
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.96
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
4.17
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.3
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 47.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.0
SA Fore 320.42
SA Main 376.0
How It Compares

vs. Aphrodite 42, Sabre 42, Us 42

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Ansa 42 ★
41.6 ft
Aphrodite 42
41.7 ft
Sabre 42
41.8 ft
Us 42
41.5 ft
LWL
Ansa 42 ★
35.3 ft
Aphrodite 42
33.8 ft
Sabre 42
34.0 ft
Us 42
32.5 ft
Beam
Ansa 42 ★
10.1 ft
Aphrodite 42
12.1 ft
Sabre 42
12.7 ft
Us 42
14.0 ft
Displacement
Ansa 42 ★
12 lbs
Aphrodite 42
20 lbs
Sabre 42
18 lbs
Us 42
24 lbs
Ballast
Ansa 42 ★
6 lbs
Aphrodite 42
8 lbs
Sabre 42
7 lbs
Us 42
10 lbs
Sail Area
Ansa 42 ★
696 sq ft
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
755 sq ft
Us 42
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Ansa 42 ★
90 s/nm
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
96 s/nm
Us 42
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Ansa 42 ★
20.3
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
17.2
Us 42
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Ansa 42 ★
Aphrodite 42
39.0 %
Sabre 42
41.5 %
Us 42
43.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Ansa 42 ★
24.7
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
27.2
Us 42
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Ansa 42 ★
1.72
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
1.91
Us 42
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Ansa 42 ★
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
213
Us 42
312
Hull Speed
Ansa 42 ★
8.0 kts
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
7.8 kts
Us 42
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Ansa 42 ★
4.2
Aphrodite 42
Sabre 42
2.6
Us 42
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