The Tayana 55 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Tayana 55, a centre-cockpit cutter, was designed by Peter Beeldsnijder and built in Taiwan by Ta Yang Yacht Building Co.

A Tayana 55

Published Specification for the Tayana 55

Underwater Profile: Fin keel and skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 55'0" (16.8m)

Waterline Length: 45'11" (14.0m)

Beam: 16'1" (4.9m)

Draft: 6'6" (2.0m)

Rig Type: Cutter

Displacement: 48,400lb (21,954kg)

Designer: Peter Beeldsnijder

Builder: Ta Yang Yacht Building Co (Taiwan)

Year First Built: 1982

Year Last Built: 1991

Number Built: 65

Published Design Ratios for the Tayana 55

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 16.9

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 36.4

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 223

4. Comfort Ratio: 38.1

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.8

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Tayana 55

The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of the Tayana 55 is 16.9. This indicates that it has a moderate sail area relative to displacement, making it capable of delivering a good turn of speed without becoming overly challenging to handle. It should allow the boat to perform competently both in lighter winds and when the breeze picks up.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio is 36.4. The high B/D ratio suggests that the Tayana 55 is a fairly stiff boat, likely to remain upright in challenging conditions and indicating a good resistance to capsize. This makes it suitable for open sea voyages and gives it a high degree of buoyancy.

The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) of 223 signifies that this sailboat is on the heavier side. The higher D/L ratio indicates the boat's larger weight relative to its length, suggesting good stability and seaworthiness, but may imply a trade-off with speed and agility.

The Comfort Ratio of the Tayana 55 is 38.1, considered quite high. This ratio indicates that the boat will provide a smooth and comfortable ride in various sea conditions, making it an excellent choice for extended cruising, blue water voyages, and living aboard.

The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) is 1.8 for the Tayana 55. In theory, boats with a CSF of 2.0 or less are suitable for offshore cruising. So, a 1.8 rating suggests that the Tayana 55 should be a reasonably secure offshore vessel. This metric, combined with the high comfort ratio, reinforces the boat's design intent for long-distance cruising.

In conclusion, the Tayana 55's design ratios suggest that it's a well-balanced vessel with a good combination of stability, safety, and comfort for long-distance cruising and living aboard, though it might not be the fastest vessel in its category.

Interior Layout & Facilities

All models are different internally as they are all bespoke interiors. However, there are two general layouts:

One usually has the master stateroom aft and the saloon amidships. They have varying numbers of other cabins.
The other has the saloon aft and the master stateroom forward. But as far as I know, this is only found on the fairly rare ketch version.

The Tayana 55: An Overview

The Tayana 55 is a luxurious sailboat that combines comfort with high-quality performance. Its full-bow and long waterline offer a smooth and stable ride while sailing. This boat model is designed by the renowned Dutch naval architect Robert H. Perry, well-known for his design versatility in the yachting world.

The Tayana 55 sailboat typically spans 55 feet in length, hence the name, with a beam of around 16 feet. This spacious design allows comfortable accommodation for long journeys. It includes large, well-furnished cabins, a fully equipped galley kitchen, and a roomy saloon, making it an ideal choice for those looking to live aboard or undertake long-distance cruising.

The construction and design are focused on providing strength and durability. The hull is made from solid hand-laid fiberglass, while the deck incorporates a balsa core to aid rigidity and reduce weight. The build standards of Tayana vessels are incredibly high, adhering to rigorous quality control processes.

The Tayana 55 is generally rigged as a cutter, with a sail area that allows the boat to perform well in various wind conditions. It is also known for its excellent maneuverability despite its large size, thanks to a well-designed underbody and efficient skeg-protected rudder.

In terms of aesthetic appeal, the Tayana 55 doesn't disappoint. It portrays traditional ship design with its sleek lines and classic teak woodwork, which gives it a timeless appearance.

Overall, the Tayana 55 is a grand voyager - a well-built, comfortable, and seaworthy yacht designed with both long-term liveability and reliable performance in mind.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com