Construction Details

Built by Franklin Yachts in Christchurch NZ.


All laminates are vacuum bagged epoxy wet laminate. Cores are cross-linked PVC.


Hull and deck have e-glass/carbon outside skins for additional impact resistance and carbon inside skins for minimum weight. Kevlar is introduced into the hull forward to increase damage tolerance.


All interior panels are built from lightweight composite panels cut out to accurate computer patterns for minimum weight and minimum waste.


The spar is a rescued Farr 40 mast second with modified spreaders.  Standing rigging is Future Fibres PBO. The keel structure is a highly innovative continuous strut design fabricated from high strength steel (hollow) and incorporating a trim tab.

Riptide 44 Particulars

LOA:                                  13.41 m (44.0’)

LWL:                                  12.35 m (40.5’)

Beam:                                3.87 m (12.7’)

Draft:                                  2.90 m (9.5’)

Displ, racing trim:             4682 kg (10,300#)

Fixed Ballast:                    1955 kg (4300#)

Water Ballast (per side): 1000 kg (2200#)

Displ/length ratio:              69

Mast Height above DWL:  19.8 m (64.8’)

Jib Area:                             42 sqm (450 sq ft)

Main Area:                          61 sqm (655 sq ft)

Spin area (approx):           181 sqm (1950 sq ft)

General Arrangements (PDF):

Structural Panel Nesting (PDF)