Launching of our GP 26, Salt Peanuts - May 2008. This is first USA-designed and built GP 26.
The GP26 is one of three level class boats regulated by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC), an international organization promoting rating rules. The intent is to provide a design envelope or “Box Rule” in which a variety of similar yachts can compete boat for boat. There is no handicapping system in this rule, so there is no motivation to lower a handicap by purposely designing poor boats. This rule was inspired in part by the success of the Trans-Pac 52 rule developed here on the west coast of America. Ironically, there are no TP52’s out here any more, but they have met with enthusiasm on the European grand-prix circuit. This led the ORC to develop the GP box rule.
The GP rule has three level classes, separated by length to meet every expected economic stratum. These include the GP42, GP33 and GP26.
The materials of construction are also mandated to allow the rule to exist without
Sail Plan - GP26
For larger image, please click on the photo above.
getting into the dreaded cost wars. The rule promotes fairly conventional yachts with functional and complete interiors. This prevents the construction of “disposable” race boats that are good for only one season. These yachts should enjoy several seasons of competitiveness before being put out to pasture. The yachts will enjoy a long life of fine sailing and accommodation due to the style of the rule.
This yacht complies with the GP26 level rule. While it is the smallest of the classes, it offers the competitive yachtsmen the experience of owning a custom yacht but with the least damage to the wallet. Many have compared this class to the numerous one designs available. I believe this is a mistake. One designs offer the thrill of boat for boat racing at a lower cost than the level class rules. While this is fine, the fact is that you spent a significant amount of money to own the very same boat as the next guy. That’s a lot of money to spend on something everyone else owns. This class allows an owner to spend approximately fifty percent more for the yacht, but have boat for boat racing in a custom yacht competing at the same venues as the TP52’s, GP42’s etc… The cost of competition is also a fraction of the TP52’s with lower equipment costs, crew costs and shipping costs (they’re containerable!).
Given a little time, I have every expectation that this class will resonate with the competitive yachtsman looking for an affordable investment in the world of grand prix racing. The long term life of this rule and value of the yachts it promotes looks great due to the rule’s encouragement of performance and accommodations.
So I invite you to give it thought. The link to the ORC is here. Check it out and if you don’t find what you like here, by all means give a call and let’s chat. I’m sure we can come up with something your heart desires, your wallet can swallow and competition can envy. Thanks for visiting.
