The Regina 38 is modestly canvassed and unhurried.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 32.8′, the Regina 38 tops out around 7.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √32.8′ LWL = 7.7 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
7.3
Modestly canvassed — a comfortable, unhurried cruiser.
Ballast / Displacement
33.7%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
265
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
7.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
9lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Regina 38 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Catalina 390
Catalina 387
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° | 2.4 | 3.0 | 3.3 | 3.5 |
| Close Reach60° | 2.9 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Beam Reach90° | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 3.2 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
| Run150–180° | 2.6 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (7.7 kts),
SA/D (7.3), 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 Regina 38 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–8 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
8–22 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
22–30 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
30+ 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 Regina 38.
| Regina 38 | Bavaria Ocean 38 | Catalina 387 | Catalina 390 | Cr 390 | Sun Odyssey 39I Jeanneau | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 38.7 | 38.6 | 38.7 | 38.7 | 38.7 | 38.9 |
| LWL | 32.8 | 33.1 | 33.3 | 32.4 | 35.4 | 35.2 |
| Beam | 12.1 | 12.8 | 13.0 | 12.3 | 11.7 | 12.7 |
| Displacement | 20 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 15 | 16 |
| Ballast | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Sail Area | — | 710 | 710 | 725 | 839 | 670 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 135 | 126 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | 7.3 | 17.0 | 17.4 | 16.4 | 21.4 | 16.8 |
| Bal/Disp | 33.7 | 35.9 | 39.5 | 35.8 | 45.8 | 31.1 |
| Comfort | — | 25.4 | 24.1 | 30.2 | 25.6 | 23.3 |
| Capsize | — | 1.99 | 2.04 | 1.85 | 1.86 | 2.02 |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 7.9 |