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Elite 45
Designer: Ron Holland  ·  Builder: Kirie/Henri Wauquiez (Fra)  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Elite 45

Designed by renowned naval architect Ron Holland and built by the respected French yard Kirie/Henri Wauquiez, this elegant 46-footer represents classic 1980s sailing yacht design at its finest. First launched in 1986, the Elite 45 combines the sophisticated lines and performance-oriented thinking that made Holland a legend in yacht design circles. With her fin keel and spade rudder configuration, this masthead sloop delivers responsive handling and solid upwind performance. The substantial displacement of 22,000 pounds, backed by 8,800 pounds of ballast, provides reassuring stability for extended offshore passages while maintaining enough performance capability to satisfy sailors who appreciate a spirited ride. Her comfortable 25.73 comfort ratio suggests she's well-suited for long-distance cruising, while the moderate sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 23.57 indicates balanced performance without being overly aggressive. The Elite 45 excels as a capable bluewater cruiser that doesn't sacrifice sailing performance for comfort. Her hull speed of 8.05 knots and solid construction make her equally at home on coastal adventures or ocean crossings. The Wauquiez build quality ensures durability and attention to detail that serious cruising sailors demand in a long-term sailing partner.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.92 ft / 14.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 36.08 ft / 11.00 m
Beam 14.08 ft / 4.29 m
Max Draft 7.70 ft / 2.35 m
Displacement 22,000.00 lb / 9,979 kg
Ballast 8,800.00 lb / 3,992 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,152.00 ft² / 107.02 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holland
Builder Kirie/Henri Wauquiez (FRA)
First Built 1986
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
 23.57
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 40
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 209.11
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
 25.73
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
 2.01
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. 8.05 kn
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. 1,815.16 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 60 gals / 227 L
Water Capacity 185 gals / 700 L
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