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Spirit 46 Mcmillan
Designer: Sean Mcmillan  ·  Builder: Spirit Yachts (Uk)  ·  First built: 2002
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About the Spirit 46 Mcmillan

Designed by Sean McMillan and built by the renowned Spirit Yachts of the UK, this elegant 46-footer represents the epitome of modern wooden yacht construction. Since its introduction in 2002, the Spirit 46 has garnered attention for combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary performance sailing characteristics. The yacht's fractional sloop rig and modern fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration deliver impressive sailing performance, with a sail area to displacement ratio of 23.78 indicating strong light-air capabilities. The relatively deep 6.56-foot draft and substantial 4,462-pound ballast provide excellent stability for offshore passages, while the comfort ratio of 20.98 suggests moderate motion at sea suitable for extended cruising. Spirit Yachts' reputation for exceptional wooden boat construction shines through in this design, offering the warmth and character of traditional materials with modern engineering. The hull's proportions, including a waterline length of nearly 34 feet, contribute to a theoretical hull speed of 7.79 knots, making this vessel well-suited for serious coastal and offshore cruising. With its combination of seaworthiness, performance, and craftsmanship, the Spirit 46 appeals to sailors seeking a distinctive cruising yacht capable of handling demanding conditions while providing the unique experience of sailing a modern wooden vessel.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 46.42 ft / 14.15 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.79 ft / 10.30 m
Beam 9.28 ft / 2.83 m
Max Draft 6.56 ft / 2.00 m
Displacement 9,920.80 lb / 4,500 kg
Ballast 4,462.16 lb / 2,024 kg
Ballast Type Lead bulb
Sail Area (Reported) 684.00 ft² / 63.55 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer Sean McMillan
Builder Spirit Yachts (UK)
First Built 2002
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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
 23.78
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
 44.98
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
 114.8
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
 20.98
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
 1.73
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. 7.79 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. 1,120.42 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 61.02 ft / 18.60 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model GM-20
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 18
Fuel Capacity 13 gals / 49 L
Water Capacity 25 gals / 95 L
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