The Class 4 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
27.7
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Class 4 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Bavaria 46
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Class 4 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Class 4.
| Class 4 | Bavaria 46 | Lagoon 450 | Moody 45 Classic | Saona 47 | St Francis 460 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 45.9 | 46.0 | 45.8 | 46.0 | 46.0 | 45.9 |
| LWL | — | 40.0 | — | 40.0 | 46.0 | 45.5 |
| Beam | 24.9 | 14.3 | 25.8 | 13.8 | 25.3 | 26.3 |
| Displacement | 16 | 24 | 32 | 25 | 30 | 29 |
| Ballast | — | 7 | — | 7 | — | — |
| Sail Area | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 807 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 57 | — | — | — | — |
| SA/Disp | 27.7 | 24.3 | 21.8 | — | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | — | 30.0 | — | 28.9 | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 26.0 | — | — | 13.7 | 12.9 |
| Capsize | — | 1.97 | — | — | 3.25 | 3.40 |
| Hull Speed | — | 8.5 | — | — | 9.1 | 9.0 |