The new Gunfleet 58

Her shoal draft variable keel configuration offers the best of both worlds - the ability to enjoy that anchorage or harbour out of reach of deeper draft contemporaries with little compromise to performance or stability

We are proud to announce the new Gunfleet 58, another exciting design by Tony Castro. With an emphasis on performance the 58 will fulfill her role as a comfortable, live aboard, blue water cruiser with alacrity.

At the higher quality semi custom end of the market this has been a popular size range already serviced by some good designs from equally good builders. This being so, and have regard for the economic climate, in planning the Gunfleet 58 we were resolved not just to measure up to the competition but to create a yacht that really does move on to the next level in terms of design and features.

Cruising yachtsmen have always been interested in shoal draft cruising yachts. They can enter that shallow draft harbour an hour or two before their deeper draft cousins and access those special anchorages that are so often draft restricted. The problem is, and to a great extent continues to be, the seemingly inevitable compromises between shoal draft, performance and stability.

To most cruising yachtsmen the ability to dry for a picnic may or may not have much relevance. The $64,000 question is how much compromise is involved when it comes to performance and stability. The Hood designed Little Harbour series of centre boarders and whale bottom designs filled a need and for those to whom shoal draft was paramount worked really well. The compromise was stability since stability means sail carrying power, which in turn relates directly to performance and comfort. Stability can be won back with enough ballast but that in turn can easily reach a point where performance is compromised.

Taking a modern approach and making best use of CAD design tools Tony Castro has created a hull form about which we are very excited. The Gunfleet 58 features a relatively long very low C of G lead keel bulb and a composite hinged centerboard. Combine this with clean fast hull lines and generous beam to give good form stability and a long waterline and the yacht will have more than enough stability. Twin rudders will give positive yet responsive control and all up weight will be controlled by the use of modern composite engineering of the hull and deck structure and a thoughtful approach to weight generally while always remembering this is first and foremost a rugged blue water cruising yacht.

With a board up draft of well under 1.75m, 6 feet, the Gunfleet is a 58 footer with a lot less draft than most 30 footers. Board down with a draft of around, 3.60m, 12 feet, and an optimized sail plan, we expect upwind performance, even in light airs that will delight the most critical helmsman.

In each critical area of the design, above and below deck, we have made a real effort to match or improve upon the accepted norms for a yacht in this size range. The hull lines for the Gunfleet 58 are settled and tooling is underway. Meanwhile other elements of the design are being refined although it’s almost certain that the 58 will follow the 43 in adopting the Gunfleet Flightdeck® pedestal system but with twin wheels.

The first Gunfleet 58 is due for completion by the end of 2012 and full details, as well as some attractive opportunities on early yachts, will be available soon.