- Find A School
- Certifications
- North U Sail Trim
- Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
- Docking Made Easy
- Study Quizzes
- Bite-sized Lessons
- Fun Quizzes
- Sailing Challenge
Cruising Boat Spotlight: The Columbia 50
By: Pat Reynolds Cruising Tips , Sailboats
In our new series of great cruising boats we begin with a crowd favorite – the Columbia 50. With its bubble top, long graceful lines and inherent speed, the Columbia 50 is a beloved classic.
Designed by Bill Tripp, the Columbia 50 was sexy, fast and fun when it came off the line in 1965. Fiberglass boat building was still relatively new, but Tripp was ahead of the curve as he had been designing fiberglass boats since the late 50s. In 1966 the lean racer/cruiser won the legendary Newport to Ensenada race in California, which, at that time, was over 500 boats. The boat was built predominantly by Columbia Yachts in California and was the largest fiberglass production boat of its day.
Next time you see one of these elegant specimens heading out to sea, realize that they are more than a pretty face. The Columbia 50 is a pioneer design in that it was the first big sailboat that didn’t cost an absolute fortune to build. Much labor went into wooden boats of the day and the 50 opened the door for more affordable big boat sailing.
Today, the design still holds up – both structurally and aesthetically. Fifty-seven boats were built and many are still kicking around (check out the Columbia 50 Owners’ Network ), especially on the West Coast of the U.S. Since fiberglass boat building was new in the mid-sixties, boats of this time were usually overbuilt (by today’s standards) and therefore are pretty tough.
As for picking one up on the used market, they’re not a dime a dozen and they’re not really cheap ( Columbia 50s for sale ). The Columbia 50 seems to have achieved a classic car sort of status based on its good looks, solid build and limited quantity (unlike the more abundant Columbia 26, that looks similar but are more abundant and pretty inexpensive). Most Columbia 50 owners will tell you that this boat is an ageless beauty that performs just about like a modern boat. It’s happy racing locally or venturing out into the open ocean, but wherever it is you can bet she’s turning heads.
Torben Grael is arguably one of the finest sailors in the world. This photo shows his Columbia 50 together with his Star boat. He is an accomplished sailor ( see Wikipedia ) winning several Olympic medals in the Star, and winning the Volvo around the world race in 2009. Great sailors like great boats!
Related Posts:
- Learn To Sail
- Mobile Apps
- Online Courses
- Upcoming Courses
- Sailor Resources
- ASA Log Book
- Bite Sized Lessons
- Knots Made Easy
- Catamaran Challenge
- Sailing Vacations
- Sailing Cruises
- Charter Resources
- International Proficiency Certificate
- Find A Charter
- All Articles
- Sailing Tips
- Sailing Terms
- Destinations
- Environmental
- Initiatives
- Instructor Resources
- Become An Instructor
- Become An ASA School
- Member / Instructor Login
- Affiliate Login
Visit our Popular Forums
- Monohull Sailboats
- Multihull Sailboats
- Powered Boats
- General Sailing
- Antares Yachts
- Fountaine Pajot
- Lagoon Catamarans
Cruising Business
- Boat Classifieds
- General Classifieds
- Crew Positions
- Commercial Posts
- Vendor Spotlight
Life Aboard a Boat
- Provisioning: Food & Drink
- Families, Kids, & Pets Afloat
- Recreation, Entertainment, & Fun
- Boat Ownership & Making a Living
- Liveaboard's Forum
Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling
- Seamanship & Boat Handling
- Training, Licensing, & Certification
- Health, Safety, & Related Gear
- Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape
Engineering & Systems
- Const. / Maint. / Refit
- Product / Service Reviews
- Electronics: Comms / AV
- Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar
- Lithium Power Systems
- Engines & Propulsion
- Propellers & Drive Systems
- Plumbing / Fixtures
- Deck Hdw: Rigging / Sails
- Aux. Equipment & Dinghy
- Anchoring & Mooring
Photo Categories
- Member Galleries
- Life Onboard
- Sailing in the Wind
- Power Boats
- Cruising Destinations
- Maint. & Boat Building
- Marine Life
- Scuba Diving & Divers
- General Photos
Recent Photos
Listing Categories
- African Cats
- view more »
- Crew Wanted
- Crew Available
- Enhance Your Account
- Meet the Mods
- Meet the Advisors
- Signup for The Daily Cruiser Email
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Notes. When introduced in 1965, the COLUMBIA 50 was the largest production fiberglass sailboat available in the US. Also sold as bare hull or 'kit' under the SAILCRAFTER name. Sloop, yawl or schooner rig. (In the early 1980's, the molds were acquired by P&M Worldwide Inc. which offered the boat in kit form. If any were made is unknown.)
The C-50 handles beautifully in all conditions. This remanufactured Columbia 50, originally designed by Designed by William Tripp Sr., is guaranteed to turn heads - a true classic that feels great under sail. This boat, when completed, will be the best of the Columbia 50's sailing today! New 50′ sailboats range from $750,000 and up!
Find Columbia 50 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Columbia boats to choose from.
Columbia 50. NEW Price $49,900!!! Columbia 50 (1979) proven blue water cruiser has circumnavigated 2 times with its original owners Paul & Gwendolyn Stokes. 2nd owner has taken his time refinishing all interior and exterior teak back to its beautiful splendor, new non-skid deck & cockpit, rebedded all ports and deck hardware (very dry boat ...
The Columbia 50 was introduced in 1965 for delivery in 1966. The Columbia Yacht Corporation first-half financial report notes that six of the new sleek 50's were sold prior to her debut in 1966. "Among the new yachts in construction, the Columbia 50—designed by—Bill Tripp, will be one of the most luxurious ocean racing-cruising yachts ...
Type of yachts by Columbia. This boat builder presents a variety of hull types: deep vee, displacement and monohull. These hull variations are commonly employed for cherished and time-honored on-the-water activities like overnight cruising, sailing and watersports. ... 50, 31, 33, 34 and 41. Columbia models are available through yacht brokers ...
The Columbia 50 seems to have achieved a classic car sort of status based on its good looks, solid build and limited quantity (unlike the more abundant Columbia 26, that looks similar but are more abundant and pretty inexpensive). Most Columbia 50 owners will tell you that this boat is an ageless beauty that performs just about like a modern boat.
Notes. When introduced in 1965, the COLUMBIA 50 was the largest production fiberglass sailboat available in the US. Also sold as bare hull or 'kit' under the SAILCRAFTER name. Sloop, yawl or schooner rig. (In the early 1980's, the molds were acquired by P&M Worldwide Inc. which offered the boat in kit form.
Location: Channel Islands, CA. Boat: 1962 Columbia 29 MK 1 #37. Posts: 14,716. Images: 67. Columbia 50 wins! I saw a guy the other day with a t-shirt that said "Old guys rule!" I'm not sure I'm ready for that shirt yet (or ever) but I might like one that says "Old boats rule!" Evolving Fleet Competes for the Dorade Trophy - Newport Bermuda Race ...
Boat Details. Description. FOR SALE: Columbia 50, Yellowbird (Hull #32) Hailing Port: Marina del Rey, CA. 90292. Motivated Seller. Racing on San Francisco Bay, Yellowbird is featured on the cover page of all original Columbia 50 factory brochures (Sail#8532). Her original hull color was Mustard Yellow. Yellowbird was commissioned in 1967 for ...
Seller's Description. Huge price reduction! Was 75k! Buy now for 55k! Wow! Escape Covid19- Isolate at sea! 1976 Columbia 50' staysail sloop in very good condition, built for heavy weather. Proven Bill Trip design that looks and performs as a sailboat should. Veteran of many adventures, including several trips north to Alaska and South to Mexico.
- Life begins at 50! - The "Columbia 50" is a sailboat designed by William Tripp, Jr. and built predominantly by Columbia Yachts in Costa Mesa, California starting about 1965. For many reasons it is one of the very best production sailing yachts of all time. The purposes of the Columbia 50 Fleet Record and Owners' Network website are:
Registered User. Join Date: Feb 2013. Location: Ocala FL. Boat: 1979 Bristol 35.5 CB. Posts: 1,969. Re: Columbia 50 Owners... Saw a blurb in Good Old Boat magazine that said the reborn Columbia company is now offering a "factory remanufactured" one. All new systems, rig, finishes, interior, etc. Mid 400's.
This Columbia 50 is ready to take you anywhere in the world you choose to go. Key Features- Elegant Design: Bill Tripp designed sloop, ideal for both leisurely cruising and competitive racing. Her fiberglass hull ensures durability and ease of maintenance. Superior Craftsmanship: The handcrafted teak wordwork on the toerail and cockpit are ...
6.5'. Washington. $139,000. Description: Description. 1972 Columbia 50. Here is a rare Opportunity to own a Beautiful Columbia 50 Sailboat. This Columbia 50 is a one owner vessel that has been meticulously maintained by the original owner. She was sailed extensively in the Pacific Northwest, and is capable of taking you anywhere you choose to go.
With the large flush deck, spacious interior, and bulletproof hull construction, this Columbia 50 is a real head-turner! She has been completely re-done and made to be more functional, easier to sail single-hand, and capable of sailing anywhere. Much of the hard work to restore this beautiful vessel has been done and she comes with everything ...
The Boat - Racing/Cruising Overview. Really designed as a race boat by noted naval architect Bill Tripp, the Columbia 50 first hit the race scene in 1966, finishing first overall in the Newport-Ensenada Race that year against a field of over 500 other boats. Not long thereafter, in the hotly competitive 1967 Transpac Race to Hawaii, a Columbia ...
Columbia 50 "Joy" The hull of this boat was layed up in 1972 and the boat was launched in 1977. It has been owned and maintained to very high standards by its present owner since new. This boat can take you anywhere you want to go. Boat Specifications: Length Overall 50ft. Beam 12.5 ft. Draft 6.5ft. Air draft 61ft (top of mast)
The "Columbia 50" is a sailboat designed by William Tripp, Jr. and built predominantly by Columbia Yachts in Costa Mesa, California starting about 1965. For many reasons it is one of the very best production sailing yachts of all time. to celebrate a great boat that has made a lot of people happy! to promote appreciation and help preserve the ...
The history of Columbia Yachts, one of the earliest, largest, and most successful American builders of production fiberglass sailing yachts, (the company did offer a line of power yachts at one time) in many ways, mirrors that of the industry as a whole, from around 1960, until the late-1980's. PRE-COLUMBIAN ERA: Glas Laminates, (later called Glass Marine Industries) was a small company that ...