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Scorpio 72
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Scorpio 72

Robert Perry's Scorpio 72 represents a classic example of 1980s luxury cruising design, combining performance-oriented lines with blue-water capabilities. Built by Taiwan's Ta Chaio Shipbuilding between 1982 and 1991, this 65-foot staysail ketch attracted serious cruisers seeking a capable offshore vessel with refined sailing characteristics. Perry crafted the Scorpio 72 with his signature approach to balancing speed and comfort. The fin keel with rudder-on-skeg configuration provides excellent directional stability while maintaining respectable performance, evidenced by a theoretical hull speed approaching 9.6 knots. With substantial displacement of 114,000 pounds and nearly half that weight in ballast, this yacht offers the stability and sea-kindly motion essential for extended offshore passages. The staysail ketch rig provides versatility in heavy weather conditions, allowing crews to reduce sail area while maintaining balance. A comfort ratio of 69.35 places the Scorpio 72 firmly in blue-water cruising territory, while the moderate capsize screening formula suggests good stability characteristics for ocean sailing. Limited to just 30 hulls during its production run, the Scorpio 72 remains a relatively rare sight, appealing to discerning sailors who appreciate Perry's thoughtful approach to serious cruising yacht design.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 65.00 ft / 19.81 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 50.92 ft / 15.52 m
Beam 17.75 ft / 5.41 m
Max Draft 6.75 ft / 2.06 m
Displacement 114,000.00 lb / 51,710 kg
Ballast 56,000.00 lb / 25,401 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,562.00 ft² / 145.11 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (TAIWAN)
First Built 1982
Last Built 1991
Number Built 30
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Performance Ratios
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
 10.68
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 49.12
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 385.47
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
 69.35
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
 1.47
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. 9.56 kn
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. 3,229.48 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 8.88
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 68.00 ft / 20.73 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 27.30 ft / 8.32 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 38.50 ft / 11.73 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 19.25 ft / 5.87 m
SA Fore 928.20 ft² / 86.23 m²
SA Main 370.56 ft² / 34.43 m²
SA Total (100%) 1,298.76 ft² / 120.66 m²
Est. Forestay Length 73.28 ft / 22.34 m
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