Designed by the renowned William Tripp Jr. and built by Ned Le Comte, this rare 38-footer represents a brief but notable chapter in 1960s sailboat design. With only 20 hulls produced between 1962 and 1965, the Northeast 38 1 stands as a collector's piece from sailing's golden era. The design showcases Tripp's signature approach to balanced performance cruising, featuring a moderate fin keel configuration that delivers respectable sailing characteristics while maintaining reasonable comfort. Her 16,000-pound displacement and 6,000 pounds of ballast create a stability profile well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, though the relatively conservative comfort ratio suggests she's happiest in moderate conditions. The masthead sloop rig provides straightforward sail handling, while the fiberglass construction with Airex-cored deck was progressive for its time, offering durability and reduced weight aloft. Her 26.67-foot waterline generates a theoretical hull speed approaching 7 knots, making for pleasant coastal passages. Given her vintage pedigree and limited production numbers, finding a Northeast 38 1 today represents an opportunity to own a piece of sailing history. She's ideally suited for sailors seeking a classic boat with good manners for coastal exploration and club racing, though any prospective owner should expect the maintenance considerations that come with a 60-year-old vessel.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
vs. Northeast 38 3, Sigma 38 Ss, Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton