Phoenix's Specifications

The Andromeda ketch is a rare breed with an unknown number of fiberglass and/or Ferro-cement versions made by DIY enthusiasts and boat builders. While the Andromeda is better known, Bruce Bingham made a slight variation in the bow and stern flair of the Andromeda design to create the "Christina.". Only 2 Christina fiberglass hulls were made in the Bingham factory, and to our knowledge, no Andromeda hulls were factory made. Bruce's book -- Ferro Cement: Design, Techniques and Applications -- gives a great deal of insight into the Andromeda's design characteristics, and the line drawings highlight the subtle difference between the two versions..

Phoenix is hull #1 of the Christina line and an outlier among both Christina's and Andromeda's as she is the only one we know of with a bow sprit (extending the foot of the headsail for more sail area) and an additional staysl rig (for a storm sail).

Neither the bowsprit nor staysl rig were part of Bruce's original design, but was requested by the person who originally commissioned hull #1 (now Phoenix). This provides us with a variety of different sail configurations for the various sailing conditions that we encounter.

The tankage and sail area of Andromedas may vary, but for those that are curious, here are Phoenix's specs:
  • LOA: 54' with bow sprit
  • LOD: 49' (Andromeda version 48')
  • LWL: 40'
  • Beam: 14' 6"
  • Draft: 6' 6"
  • Displacement: 38,000 lbs
  • Ballast: 19,000 lbs
  • Sail Area: 1,257sq. ft (100% of foresail and mizzen)
  • Mast Height: 57' (above the water line)
  • Sail Area/Displacement: 17.9
  • Tankage:
    • Water: 240 gallons
    • Fuel: 228 gallons
    • Holding: 103 gallons



Andromeda Sail and Rigging Plan
Reprinted with permission from Bruce Bingham

Andromeda Deck Plan
Reproduced with permission from Bruce Bingham



Original Andromeda Interior Layout. The dotted line in the profile drawing shows the stern difference
between the Andromeda and Christina designs (dotted line depicts Christina's stern)
Reproduced with permission from Bruce Bingham

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