GP 26 is this the next class boat.

[SloopJohnB 322]

From SA front Page

 

GP 26 Report

Last week we showed you the new Jim Donovan designed GP 26, and here JD gives a little insight into the rule and the boat.

 

When I first approached the GP 26 class rules several years ago, my initial impression was, “Why would anyone want to build a boat so closely resembling a Melges 24? The strength of the Melges 24 class will surely limit the growth of GP 26 fleets”.

 

Since this first impression I have spent some more years sailing aboard a Melges 24 at home in Hawaii, generally in high winds. Much of this time I have thought how nice it would be to have a boat that can handle the breeze better, with a deeper keel fin, bigger rudder with more feel, rig further back in the boat to keep the bow from driving under the waves, and a couple winches to make it less painful to trim the jib and spinnaker. With my new GP 26 design I now have the platform for all of these improvements.

 

Closer examination of the GP 26 Class dimensions reveals a yacht with excellent potential. Although the GP 26 is approx 200 kg heavier than a Melges 24, all of this weight is carried in a deeper keel. The GP 26 has a similar displ/length ratio as the Melges 24, and the GP 26 rig is nearly 1.4 m (4.5 ft) taller than the Melges 24. Added to the package is a masthead Code Zero to boost the reaching and light air performance further.

 

You can easily derive that a GP 26 has plenty of power and will deliver very high performance. I am really quite excited to get this boat out on the water and let it loose. I think these small box rule yachts appeal to “individuals”; that is to say people who want to own a yacht that reflects more of what they want in hull form, rig and deck layout.

 

The GP 26 class reminds me of the IOR ¼ ton fleet that had many owner-built or owner-finished yachts. At the major regattas you would see quite a diversity of designs, and it was always interesting to examine the various designs and then line-up against them on the race course to see what happened. Showing up with a fast design was a major facet of the regatta that you just don’t get in a one-design fleet.

 

Thankfully the GP 26 bears little resemblance to an IOR yacht, and the box allows designers to explore a variety of hull forms within simple length, beam and displacement limits. My GP 26 design is currently under construction on the ground floor of Farrar Sails in New London, Connecticut. Kevin Farrar has built several racing sailboats over the years, and he decided it was time to upgrade from his 23 footer into a GP 26.

 

Aloha,

 

Jim Donovan

jp donovan design

 

06/01/09

 

SA tropic.

http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index. ... opic=90914

 

Very strong in Argentina

 

http://www.gp26.com.ar/

[Guest]

nice boats and jim has drawn a great version that is more in keeping of the kiwi style than the euro versions. Some points to think about , this class has to be built to the equivalant of abs and they have a max class weight - which makes them difficult to build to weight and have enough lead. they have a class crew sailing weight which equates to 3 kiwis or 4 euros. If you want a shorthand boat then the mini is the go and why change it. If you want a budget build, the gp26 isn't going to work, and you would probibly be able to put a cedar & ply young 840 in the water for the same cost.

As kiwi's we are our own wosrt enemy with chopn and changing - if we want boats that will hold value yes we have to go with a international rule or box - if not our new builds will only be worth as much as a secound hand boat - and then if it's any good it will end up in noumea or aussie.

[SloopJohnB 322]

A year on and no more posts.

 

Check is Ozzie one.

 

http://www.vanmunsterboats.com/our-boat ... nstruction

 

Nice looking boat.

 

From the states

 

http://www.deesyachts.com/shed.htm

http://tallshipdesigner.blogspot.com/20 ... gp-26.html

 

Jim Donovans comments

 

http://www.hyra.us/news/files/d6fda5d92 ... e4-69.html

[Guest]

Nice boats till you see the cost, and a little limited for short handed, and cruising

Not long after my separation I drew a streched version of the mini to fit the up to 26 class. Just that little bit more room all round, making it a much more usable boat. Then not being to a class rule you can pull the construction costs back. I have three hulls - simple ply - complex ply - and round bottom, with ply top. Doesn't need to be a canter or have canards, but would be very powerfull with

[Adrianp 120]

I wonder how a GP26 would go against a SR26?

[Absolution 7]

I wonder how a GP26 would go against a SR26?

 

Same overall length and beam. The GP26 rule allows for an extra 250mm on the rig and 200mm on the keel and the mast set further back to allow for bigger headsails.... the kicker is that the GP26 is approx 300kg lighter so it will smoke an SR.

[Changed 10]

That's a lot of weight. Mine probably needs to go on a diet!

[Guest]

With the usual bias ..... I went though all the options and in terms of what we kiwis want - i.e. quick, possibly trailerable (no marina fees/antifoul), easily cruisable with a family, possible hull and decks available for homebuilds something along the lines of an updated E7.4/SR26 is pretty close to the money.

 

The 650 was a good idea but how many people really have the nuts/determination for solo and also dont want to take the kids away at Xmas?

 

Slight thread drift but really... the GP is pretty specialised and has limited usage other than an all out racer. If that what you want then go build one.

[Adrianp 120]

I wonder how a GP26 would go against a SR26?

 

Same overall length and beam. The GP26 rule allows for an extra 250mm on the rig and 200mm on the keel and the mast set further back to allow for bigger headsails.... the kicker is that the GP26 is approx 300kg lighter so it will smoke an SR.

 

Thanks, thats quite an in depth analysis. I couldn't imagine a 26ft boat that is much lighter than an SR, they aren't alot to them! In saying that I guess I do own a 23ft boat that is is half the weight of an SR!

[Adrianp 120]

With the usual bias ..... I went though all the options and in terms of what we kiwis want - i.e. quick, possibly trailerable (no marina fees/antifoul), easily cruisable with a family, possible hull and decks available for homebuilds something along the lines of an ....

 

.....Farrier 8.2

[Guest]

As much room below for the family? I think not. oh - and potential for UDC membership? ....oh - insurance is a bit harder too.

 

Dont get me wrong - I really like tri's (more so than cats sorry) and would have bought Careless Intent if my ex missus had let me but we are talking about monos here.

 

I just think the market for full blown racers is a bit more limited - we have the best cruising grounds in the world and most people want to use that when not racing.

[SloopJohnB 322]

I wonder how a GP26 would go against a SR26?

Here's some polars of a GP25