When Mr Hisami Ebina of Tokyo, Japan decided to replace his successful ten year old N/M34ims Century Fast, he contacted Nelson/Marek Yacht Design to develop a new ORC GP33 Class design. The GP33 size is well-suited to the facilities and conditions in the region, and it is expected the class will grow and excel in the prevalent moderate winds of Sagami Bay. The design brief called for a GP33 well-suited for both windward-leeward course and short offshore racing, with emphasis on top performance in the prevailing 9 to 14 knot wind range. Experienced America's Cup sailor Tatsuya Wakinaga directed the design development and construction management of the project.

Performance

The performance predictions indicate the GP33's will be extremely fast for their length both upwind and off the wind, with upwind target speeds above 7 knots and off the wind planing speeds approaching 15 knots in under 20 knots of true wind. The early sea trials of Century Fast are already confirming these values, while also demonstrating the well-balanced sailing trim characteristics of the design and stiffness of the hull and components. It will be interesting to watch how Century Fast performs in her initial races under handicap in Japan later this summer, while waiting for more GP33's to arrive.

Principal Dimensions:

LOA = 9.99 m
Beam = 2.99 m
Draft = 2.20 m
Displacement = 2,000 kg
Ballast = 1,050 kg
IG = 12.30 m
J = 3.80 m
LP = 4.10 m
ISP = 14.20 m
TPS = 6.00 m
P = 12.80 m
E = 4.75 m

Project Team:

Naval Architecture & Design Nelson/Marek Yacht Design, Inc.
Structural Engineering High Modulus New Zealand
Boat Builder Lloyd Stevenson Boat Builders
Keel Fin Engineering Machine Designz
Sparmaker New Zealand Rigging
Winches & Hardware Harken
Sailmaker North Sails Japan
Electronics B&G