COLUMBIA SABRE

About the COLUMBIA SABRE

The COLUMBIA SABRE hull is from a mold taken off an Int. 5.5 meter class racer (circa 1958). Columbia first built a small number of these as one-design racers. (The international 5.5 class ruled that they did not conform to their specifications and were banned from class events.) Later Columbia created this version with a trunk cabin and some cruising amenities which is called the SABRE. A similar model (SCORPION 32) was also built by Ericson Yachts, probably from this same mold. (Images from original brochure.)

Designed by Sigurd Herburn/Columbia Yachts and built by Columbia Yachts (USA), the Columbia Sabre is a compact cruiser with a production run of 143 hulls between 1965 and 1968. Its fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration reflect the performance-oriented trends of mid-60s American yacht design.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize manageable size and classic aesthetics over heavy offshore provisioning. Its relatively light displacement and moderate beam make it well-suited for trailerability and easy handling in protected waters.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 4500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.52, the Sabre is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended bluewater passages due to its lighter build and fin keel design.

Comparables:

Comparable boats from this era include the Pearson 303 and the O'Day 32, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of accessible, trailerable cruisers. These vessels offer similar footprints and performance characteristics for short-range cruising.