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Whitby 45
Designer: George Cuthbertson  ·  Builder: Whitby Boat Works Ltd.  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Whitby 45

Celebrated among bluewater cruising enthusiasts, the Whitby 45 has earned a loyal following as a capable and seaworthy offshore passage-maker. Designed with long-distance cruising firmly in mind, this vessel reflects an era of sailboat building that prioritized comfort at sea, solid construction, and dependable performance over long passages rather than racing accolades or coastal day sailing. The Whitby 45 carries a reputation for being a well-balanced cruiser that inspires confidence in challenging conditions, making it a practical choice for sailors planning extended ocean passages or liveaboard adventures. Its layout and design philosophy lean toward functionality and self-sufficiency, qualities that resonate strongly with experienced bluewater sailors who prioritize reliability and sea-keeping ability above all else. For those researching a serious offshore cruising platform, the Whitby 45 warrants close attention. Used examples tend to attract buyers who are drawn to its proven track record on extended voyages, and the boat maintains a dedicated community of owners who speak highly of its handling characteristics and overall build quality. Careful inspection of any individual example is always recommended given the age of most hulls available on the market.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
Beam 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Max Draft 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Displacement 23,800.00 lb / 10,795 kg
Ballast 11,500.00 lb / 5,216 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 913.00 ft² / 84.82 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer George Cuthbertson
Builder Whitby Boat Works Ltd.
First Built 1968
Last Built 1970
Owner Reviews

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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
 102
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
 17.73
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
 36.72
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
 1.67
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. 7.7
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
 1.84
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) 54.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 47.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 18.75
SA Fore 472.5
SA Main 440.63
Find a Whitby 45 For Sale
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