Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 17.5′, the Valetta Class tops out around 5.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √17.5′ LWL = 5.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
32.3%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
125
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Valetta Class sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Lightning
Flying Scot
Rhodes 19
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Valetta Class.
| Valetta Class | Cornish Coble | Flying Scot | Lightning | Rhodes 19 | Squib | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 19.0 | 19.0 | 19.0 | 19.0 | 19.2 | 19.0 |
| LWL | 17.5 | 13.3 | 18.5 | 15.3 | 17.8 | 17.0 |
| Beam | 6.8 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.2 |
| Displacement | 1 | 599 | 850 | 700 | 1 | 1 |
| Ballast | 485 | — | — | 130 | 415 | 827 |
| Sail Area | — | 131 | 191 | 172 | 175 | 172 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 204 | 153 | 261 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 29.5 | 34.1 | 35.0 | 22.9 | 21.1 |
| Bal/Disp | 32.3 | — | — | 18.6 | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 5.7 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 8.6 | 11.7 |
| Capsize | — | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.93 | 2.53 | 2.16 |
| Hull Speed | — | 4.9 | 5.8 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 5.5 |