Designed by the legendary Sparkman & Stephens naval architecture firm, the Hughes 38 represents a classic late-1960s approach to yacht design during the golden age of fiberglass sailboat construction. Built by Hughes Boatworks in Canada between 1967 and 1969, this masthead sloop embodies the traditional offshore cruising aesthetic that S&S was renowned for during this era. With a displacement of 12,700 pounds and 6,100 pounds of ballast, the Hughes 38 offers the substantial feel and seaworthiness that serious cruising sailors appreciate. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides a good balance of performance and directional stability, while the moderate sail area of 584 square feet suggests manageable sail handling for shorthanded crews. The boat's comfort ratio of 29.55 indicates a motion that favors seaworthiness over speed, making this yacht well-suited for coastal and offshore cruising rather than competitive racing. The capsize screening formula of 1.75 falls within acceptable limits for offshore work, reflecting S&S's emphasis on seaworthy designs. Hull speed of 6.96 knots aligns with expectations for a traditionally-proportioned cruiser of this size, while the SA/Displacement ratio of 17.23 suggests moderate but adequate performance under sail.
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