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Sailboat Specifications

Nelson Marek 68

Masthead Sloop · Monohull

Designed by Nelson/Marek · Built by Various Custom (Usa) · First built 1983

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LOA 68.0  ·  Beam 14.0  ·  Displacement 24,300  ·  Sail Area 1522  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Monohull
About the Nelson Marek 68 Sailboat

The Nelson/Marek 68 is a maxi-class IOR racing yacht designed by Bruce Nelson and Bruce Marek of Nelson/Marek Yacht Design in the early 1980s. Built as custom one-offs in 1983–1984, the 68 carries a tall masthead rig (I=72.5, J=22.5, P=65, E=21.75) over a long waterline of 59 feet, displacing about 24,300 lbs. Configured for grand-prix offshore racing — Bermuda Race, SORC, Maxi events — the 68 represents the high end of Nelson/Marek's late-IOR work before the firm transitioned to IMS-era designs and Bruce Nelson moved into America's Cup design.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 68.0
LWL (Waterline Length) 59.1
Beam 14.0
Max Draft 8.5
Displacement 24,300
Ballast 11,000
Sail Area (Reported) 1522
Design & Construction
Hull Type Monohull
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Fiberglass / cored composite
Designer Nelson/Marek
Builder Various custom (USA)
First Built 1983
Last Built 1984
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nelson Marek 68's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Nelson Marek 68 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 29.03. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Nelson Marek 68's comfort ratio?

The Nelson Marek 68 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 17.95. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Nelson Marek 68 safe for offshore sailing?

The Nelson Marek 68 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.93. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Nelson Marek 68?

The theoretical hull speed of the Nelson Marek 68 is 10.3 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Nelson Marek 68 weigh?

The Nelson Marek 68 has a displacement of 24,300 and a length overall (LOA) of 68.0.

Who designed the Nelson Marek 68?

The Nelson Marek 68 was designed by Nelson/Marek, first built in 1983.