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Swede 55
Designer: Knud Reimers  ·  Builder: Fisksätra Shipyard  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Swede 55

Originating from Scandinavia, the Swede 55 is a classic one-design keelboat with a loyal following among sailors who appreciate purposeful, performance-oriented design. Built for competitive racing, this boat earned its reputation on the racecourse as a responsive and demanding vessel that rewards skilled helmsmanship and precise crew work. The Swede 55 reflects the clean, efficient aesthetic characteristic of Scandinavian yacht design, prioritizing speed and handling over interior comfort. Its one-design nature means that racing within the class is decided by skill rather than equipment, making it a compelling choice for competitive sailors who enjoy a level playing field. The boat's heritage lends it a certain timeless appeal, and active class associations in various regions have helped maintain a vibrant secondhand market and a community of dedicated owners. While the Swede 55 is primarily a racing platform rather than a cruising yacht, its sailing characteristics make it an exhilarating boat to sail in a variety of conditions. Prospective buyers should expect a vessel that prioritizes performance above all else, suited to day racing and inshore competition rather than extended offshore passages.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 53.00 ft / 16.15 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 39.00 ft / 11.89 m
Beam 9.58 ft / 2.92 m
Max Draft 6.42 ft / 1.96 m
Displacement 16,640.00 lb / 7,548 kg
Ballast 9,036.00 lb / 4,099 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 694.00 ft² / 64.47 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Knud Reimers
Builder Fisksätra Shipyard
First Built 1975
Last Built 1985
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 83
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
 17.1
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
 29.35
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
 1.5
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. 8.37
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 3.77
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.6
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.2
P (Mainsail Luff) 49.9
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.0
SA Fore 294.36
SA Main 399.2
Find a Swede 55 For Sale
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