The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2, a light displacement cutter, was designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design and built in France by Wauquiez Boats.

A Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2

Published Specification for the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2

Underwater Profile: Bulb fin keel & spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 48'6" (14.8m)

Waterline Length: 41'10" (12.8m)

Beam: 15'2" (4.6m)

Draft: 6'11" (2.1m)*

Rig Type: Cu

Displacement: 30,865lb (14,000kg)

Designer: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design

Builder: Wauquiez Boats (France)

Year First Built: 2015

* Two other keel options are available:

Shoal draft, drawing 6'0" (1.8m)
Deep draft, drawing 7'9" (2.4m)

Published Design Ratios for the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.9

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 27.9

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 188

4. Comfort Ratio: 29.3

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48.2's design ratios provide a comprehensive insight into its performance abilities.

With a Sail Area/Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.9, the vessel demonstrates its efficiency while sailing. This ratio indicates the power-to-weight ratio and a higher value often implies a better balance and potential for high-speed performance. Given this score, the Pilot Saloon 48.2 can be considered a moderately powered vessel, ensuring a good cruising speed in various conditions.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 27.9 for this vessel suggests that it has a good balance and stability. A higher ratio typically indicates greater robustness, meaning the boat is stabler in rough weather conditions, without easily capsizing. It thereby supports safe navigation during long distance cruising.

Its Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) stands at 188, placing it within the medium displacement category. The D/L ratio underlines the boat's displacement in relation to its length, and thus its performance and behaviour in water. This value implies that the boat is a good cruiser, offering both speed and comfort in moderate conditions.

With the Comfort Ratio being 29.3, this sailboat seems designed for a comfortable sailing experience. This ratio indicates the vessel's motion comfort with lower ratios (under 30) signifying a sporty, fast, and lively boat, while a higher ratio pointing towards a more motion-comfort oriented design. The Pilot Saloon 48.2 assures a comfortable cruising experience, without extreme pitching and rolling.

Finally, the Capsize Screening Formula for this boat is 1.9. A lower figure usually indicates a more seaworthy boat that would be less likely to capsize. Given that vessels with a ratio under 2 are generally considered safe for ocean passages, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48.2 fits into the safe category, and would perform well in various sea-conditions.

In summary, according to these design ratios, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48.2 conveys a well-balanced performance, capable of providing a comfortable sailing experience with robust stability and good cruising speed. The parameters suggest it's an ideal vessel for different sailing conditions, especially longer trips.

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The Builders

Wauquiez International is a reputable yacht building company that was founded in 1965 by Henri Wauquiez in Northern France. Henri Wauquiez, who was passionate about sailing and craftsmanship, set the company's reputation by building high-quality, luxurious, and robust sailing yachts.

The company underwent several changes during the intervening years, but it has consistently maintained its high standard in the manufacturing of luxurious sailing yachts. Today, the Wauquiez shipyard continues the tradition of building high-performance, comfortable, and durable sailing yachts for private owners worldwide.

Among its range of vessels is the Pilot Saloon series, which includes the renowned Pilot Saloon 48.2. This range is well-received for its navigational safety, comfort, and solid construction using the best quality materials.

As of the present, Wauquiez International is still in business, continuing to uphold their legacy of manufacturing luxurious and high-performance yachts that appeal to sailing enthusiasts around the world.

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48.2: An Overview

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48.2 is a luxury, performance-oriented sailboat that is designed for ease of use and comfort and is renowned for its quality construction, high performance, and innovative design.

With an overall length of just under 48 feet, the boat is spacious yet manageable. The saloon features panoramic windows, offering spectacular outside views and creating a bright and large living space. The interiors of the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48.2 are built with top-notch craftsmanship, featuring fully-equipped galleys, comfortable sleeping quarters and ample spaces to entertain.

It also sports a powerful engine for when the winds are not in your favor and utilizes advanced navigation and control systems for smooth journey. The deck layout is user-friendly, making it easier for sailors to maneuver the boat. The dual helm stations provide an excellent view of the sails and the course ahead, improving navigational safety.

Designed to sail in all weather conditions, this yacht offers a perfect balance between cruising comfort and sailing performance, making it ideal for both experienced sea-goers and those new to sailing. Overall, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48.2 embodies the perfect fusion of comfort, efficiency, and sea-worthiness.

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