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Nordic 45 Rs
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Nordic Yachts  ·  First built: 1988
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About the Nordic 45 Rs

A capable and refined offshore cruiser, the Nordic 45 Rs carries the well-regarded Nordic Yachts heritage that earned the brand a strong reputation for building serious bluewater sailboats. Designed with long-distance passagemaking in mind, this vessel reflects the Scandinavian design philosophy that prioritizes seaworthiness, structural integrity, and purposeful functionality over flashy aesthetics. Built for sailors who intend to venture well beyond coastal waters, the Nordic 45 Rs is equally at home on extended offshore passages as it is cruising familiar coastlines. Nordic Yachts developed a loyal following among experienced bluewater sailors who valued the brand's commitment to quality construction and dependable performance in demanding conditions. The "Rs" designation suggests a refined or updated variant within the 45-foot range, likely incorporating performance-oriented refinements while retaining the core cruising strengths the brand is known for. Prospective buyers researching this model should seek out owners who have sailed her offshore, as firsthand accounts will offer the most valuable insight into her true character. For those prioritizing a trustworthy, well-built cruising yacht with genuine offshore credentials, the Nordic 45 Rs deserves serious consideration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.33 ft / 13.82 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 36.42 ft / 11.10 m
Beam 12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Max Draft 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Displacement 24,000.00 lb / 10,886 kg
Ballast 9,340.00 lb / 4,237 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 923.00 ft² / 85.75 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Nordic Yachts
First Built 1988
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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
 120
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
 17.82
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
 31.42
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
 1.8
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. 8.09
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
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