The Rapido 50 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 49.1′, the Rapido 50 tops out around 9.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √49.1′ LWL = 9.4 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
40.4
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Hull Speed
9.4kts
S# (Speed Number)
7.1
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 4.4 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.5 |
| Close Reach60° | 5.4 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 7.9 |
| Beam Reach90° | 6.6 | 8.3 | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 6.1 | 7.7 | 8.6 | 8.9 |
| Run150–180° | 4.9 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.1 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (9.4 kts),
SA/D (40.4), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Rapido 50 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Rapido 50.
| Rapido 50 | Balance 502 | Excess 13 | Shogun 50 | St Francis 500 | Xc 47 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.2 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 49.9 |
| LWL | 49.1 | 50.0 | 42.6 | 46.6 | — | 43.2 |
| Beam | 34.1 | 25.9 | 23.8 | 12.7 | 26.3 | 15.0 |
| Displacement | 18 | 28 | 23 | 17 | 31 | 31 |
| Ballast | — | — | — | 7 | — | 12 |
| Sail Area | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 40.4 | 26.7 | 24.3 | 34.7 | 23.8 | — |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | — | 45.6 | — | 37.9 |
| Comfort | — | — | — | 19.1 | — | 29.8 |
| Capsize | — | — | — | 1.97 | — | 1.89 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | — | 9.2 | — | 8.8 |