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• Gunfleet 58

The Gunfleet 58 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Gunfleet 58 is a luxurious bluewater cruising sailboat designed by Tony Castro and built by Windboats Marine since 2013. It is a light, fast and stable boat that offers comfort, performance and elegance. 

Published Specification for the Gunfleet 58

• Underwater Configuration:  Bulb keel with centreboard & twin spade rudders
• Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)
• Length Overall:  59'10" (18.3m)
• Waterline Length:  53'8" (16.4m)
• Beam:  17'1" (5.2m)
• Draft:  11'10" (3.6m) centreboard down,  5'9" (1.7m) centreboard up
• Rig Type:  Masthead Sloop with Solent Rig
• Displacement:  68,343lb (31,000kg)
• Designer:  Tony Castro
• Builder:  Windboats Marine (UK)
• Year First Built:  2013

A Few FAQs about the Gunfleet 58...

What are the published design ratios for the Gunfleet 58 and, based on those ratios, how is the boat likely to perform under sail?

According to Sailboat Lab , the Gunfleet 58 has the following design ratios:

• Displacement/Length ratio (D/L): 140 -  This is a moderate value that indicates a good balance between speed and comfort.
• Sail Area/Displacement ratio (SA/D): 23 - This is a high value that indicates a powerful sail plan that can drive the boat well in light winds.
• Ballast/Displacement ratio (B/D): 31% - This is a high value that indicates a high stability and stiffness of the boat.
• Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): 1.7 - This is a low value that indicates a low risk of capsize in heavy weather.

Based on these ratios, the Gunfleet 58 is likely to perform well under sail, especially in light to moderate conditions. It is also likely to be safe and seaworthy in rough seas.

Is the Gunfleet 58 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

Yes, the Gunfleet 58 is still in production as of September 2023. According to YachtWorld, there are currently three new Gunfleet 58 boats for sale, with prices ranging from £1,495,000 to £1,695,000. The exact number of Gunfleet 58 boats built is not publicly available, but it is estimated to be around 10 to 15.

What, if any, alternative versions of the Gunfleet 58 were built and what are the differences between them?

There are no alternative versions of the Gunfleet 58. The boat has a standard layout and specification that can be customized according to the owner's preferences. Some of the options include:

• A shoal draft keel (1.75m) or a deep draft keel (3.6m);
• A cutter rig or a sloop rig;
• A self-tacking jib or an overlapping genoa;
• A fixed or retractable bow thruster;
• A fixed or folding propeller;
• A teak or synthetic deck;
• A hardtop or a bimini;
• A variety of interior finishes and fabrics.

How many people can sleep on board a Gunfleet 58?

The Gunfleet 58 can sleep up to eight people in four cabins. The standard layout includes:

• A master cabin forward with an island double bed, an en-suite bathroom and a dressing table;
• A VIP cabin aft with an island double bed and an en-suite bathroom
• Two guest cabins amidships with twin single beds and a shared bathroom;
• The saloon can also be converted into an extra double berth if needed.

How did the sailing press review the Gunfleet 58?

The sailing press gave positive reviews to the Gunfleet 58, praising its design, performance, comfort and quality. Here are some excerpts from different sources:

• "The Gunfleet 58 is one of those rare boats that combines head-turning looks with serious offshore credentials." Boats.com
• "The new flagship from this British builder offers luxury cruising with performance potential." Cruising Compass
• "The Gunfleet 58 is an impressive yacht that delivers on all fronts – speed, comfort, quality and style." Sailing Today

What do owners of the Gunfleet 58 have to say about their boats?

Owners of the Gunfleet 58 are generally very happy with their boats and enjoy sailing them around the world. Here are some quotes from different owners:

• "She is a fantastic sailing vessel! I am extremely satisfied with her sailing abilities. She is very, very, very fast on all points of sail." Burkhard K., owner of GUNFLEET
• "She sails like a dream – fast, responsive and comfortable. She handles well in all conditions and has plenty of space for our family and friends." John S

What is the history of the builders of the Gunfleet 58 and is the company still in business?

The builders of the Gunfleet 58 are Windboats Marine, a British company based in Wroxham, Norfolk. Windboats Marine was founded in 1920 and has a long tradition of building high-quality yachts and motorboats. The company is still in business and has a range of models from 43 to 74 feet. The Gunfleet brand was launched in 2010 and is named after a sandbank off the coast of Essex, where the company's founder used to sail.

Is the mast on the Gunfleet 58 deck-stepped or keel-stepped?

The mast on the Gunfleet 58 is keel-stepped.

What sailplan and rig options, if any, are available for the Gunfleet 58?

The Gunfleet 58 has a standard sailplan and rig that consists of:

• A mainsail with three reefs and lazy jacks;
• A self-tacking jib with a furling system;
• A cutter stay with a furling system for a staysail or a storm jib;
• A bowsprit with a furling system for a gennaker or a code zero;

The boat can also be rigged as a sloop, with an overlapping genoa instead of a self-tacking jib.

What keel options, if any, are available for the Gunfleet 58?

The Gunfleet 58 has two keel options:

• A shoal draft keel that has a depth of 1.75m and a weight of 10,500kg;
• A deep draft keel that has a depth of 3.6m and a weight of 9,500kg;

The shoal draft keel allows the boat to access shallow waters and anchorages, while the deep draft keel improves upwind performance and stability. Both keels are made of cast iron with lead bulbs and have hydrodynamic profiles.

What is the average asking price of a secondhand Gunfleet 58?

According to YachtWorld , there are currently two used Gunfleet 58 boats for sale, with prices ranging from £1,250,000 to £1,350,000. The average asking price is £1,300,000. The price may vary depending on the condition, age, equipment and location of the boat.

How does the Gunfleet 58 compare to other similar sailboats in its class?

The Gunfleet 58 is comparable to other luxury bluewater cruising sailboats in its class, such as:

• The Oyster 565, which has a similar length, displacement and sail area, but a slightly lower price (£1,200,000) and a different layout (three cabins instead of four);
• The Discovery 55 Mk II, which has a similar length, displacement and price (£1,300,000), but a smaller sail area and a different layout (two cabins instead of four);
• The Hallberg-Rassy 57, which has a similar length, displacement and price (£1,300,000), but a larger sail area and a different layout (three cabins instead of four);

The Gunfleet 58 stands out for its lightness, speed, comfort and elegance. It is also one of the few boats in its class that offers a self-tacking jib and a cutter rig as standard features.

What other sailboats have been created by the designer of the Gunfleet 58?

The designer of the Gunfleet 58 is Tony Castro, a renowned naval architect who has created many successful sailboats for various brands. Some of his other creations include:

• The Southerly range of swing keel yachts;
• The X-Yachts range of performance cruisers;
• The Grand Soleil range of Italian cruisers;
• The Moody range of deck saloon yachts;
• The Elan range of Slovenian cruisers;

Tony Castro has also designed racing yachts for several America's Cup campaigns and round-the-world races. He is known for his innovative and versatile designs that combine performance, comfort and style.

The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge,  we believe them to be accurate.

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Gunfleet 58 ** NOW SOLD **

Manufacturing

Office Gunfleet Marine is located in "Marina Fox" Ipswich in the former premises of the Oyster. And the company has been in the same place where previously built Oyster on the capacity of the Windboats Marine under Norfolk . Gunfleet Marine is not engaged in a serial construction, and working with specific customers boats.

the First in 2011 Gunfleet started >43 model. She amazed everyone not only with the lifting centerboard, but also modern design, inner space and many interesting solutions to Tony Castro , who designed this and other models Gunfleet, including flagship >Gunfleet 74.

Model >Gunfleet 58, which appeared in 2015, was awarded the American Sail Magazine how Best Boats Flagship, and in Europe 58-I was nominated for "yacht of the year".

Built of fiberglass with Kevlar and carbon reinforcements, yachts with a center cockpit from Gunfleet Marine created for couples departing on a long journey, which can join a few friends.

the Concept of the yacht allows you to not just walk on the Gunfleet, and to organize life on Board.

it provides virtually everything from the spacious rooms, to well-planned and most maintainable consoles and control systems.

Tony Castro has introduced in the design Gunfleet a lot of new "chips". The pride of the yard — a system of rudders and, in fact, the post of steering the Fightdeck with a full set of necessary instruments.

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Gunfleet 43 for sale in Southampton United Kingdom

Southampton United Kingdom

Make & Model

Gunfleet 43

MEASUREMENTS

Description.

*HUGE PRICE REDUCTION TO £299,000 - EXCEPTIONAL VALUE*

We are delighted to offer to the market "Active Day", a superbly equipped one owner example of the Gunfleet 43, considered by many to be the "Rolls Royce" of the Ocean. 

Conceived as a brand in 2009/2010, Gunfleet have quickly established themselves as a Premium UK Production outfit.

Conceived as a brand in 2009/2010, Gunfleet have quickly established themselves as a Premium UK Production outfit. Their founder Richard Matthews spent 35 years involved with Oyster Yachts before selling in 2008 and has continued the high end tradition in his new Company.

Being the first of the Gunfleet line, meticulous attention was paid to Active Day's construction and finish, her specification including many upgrades from the standard specification.

Her current owner, who is a highly experienced yacht owner, took delivery of her in summer 2013 and has used her for Channel cruising.  Whilst having true blue water capabilities, the design is equally adept at short hops and marina stays due to her supreme internal comforts.The yacht has been kept to an impeccable standard and viewing is strongly recommended. We believe her to be exceptional in every aspect.

Now located at Swanwick Marina and available for immediate viewing.

Yacht Information

• Boat Name:  ACTIVE DAY
• Year:  2012 launched 2013
• Builder:  Gunfleet Marine LLP
• Designer:  Tony Castro
• Version:  2 x cabins 2 x heads
• Engine:  Volvo D2 55hp
• Location:  Swanwick Marina
• LOA:  44 ft 1 in / 13.43m
• LOD:  42 ft 3 in / 12.8m
• LWL:  38 ft 2 in / 11.62m
• Beam:  13 ft 4 in / 4.07m
• Draft:  6 ft 9 in / 2.1m (fixed keel - full lead)
• Displ:  12,750kg
• Volvo D2 55hp diesel
• Hours run:  Approx 550 hrs at August 2018
• Sail-drive coupling
• Exhaust water lock and separator
• Racor fuel filter system with audio warning
• 3-bladed Volvo folding propeller
• Single lever engine control
• Automatic fire extinguisher in engine compartment
• Electric fan in engine room with remote switch and auto timer (upgrade)
• Engine access via hinge-up companionway, double doors below galley sink and further access panel in owner's head compartment (upgrade)
• Fuel capacity:  450 litres - integral tank
• Water capacity:  460 litres - integral tank
• Pressurised hot / cold water system, heated via engine calorifier and 230v immersion heater 
• 3 x Whale Gulper IC pumps for forward, galley and aft head grey water
• 2 x black water holding tanks, gravity draining and with deck discharge, monitored via CZone
• 2 x Whale Supersub Smart electric bilge pumps with sensors
• 1 x Whale manual bilge pump operated from cockpit
• Racor fuel filter with water sensing alarm
• Sidepower SR60 retractable bow thruster
• Upgraded Webasto water heating system circulating hot air with 4 x outlets and individual thermostat in each cabin.
• Washer / dryer machine in starboard lazarette, access from aft cabin
• CZone total switching/control/monitoring system from Nav Station, Helm and owners stateroom
• 230v ring main with shore power cable
• Vimar 230v twin outlet sockets in all cabins
• Additional 230v and 12v outlets at nav station
• 12v outlet for dinghy inflation in Lazarette
• Galvanic Isolator protection to shore power circuit
• 100 amp/hr dedicated engine 12v starting battery
• 100 amp/hr dedicated bow thruster battery
• 600 amp/hr AGM 12v domestic battery system (upgrade from standard 300 amp/hr
• Vitron Combi inverter / charger 1600w / 70A with 4A slave output to engine and thruster batteries
• 12v 115A alternator
• Xenon dimmable interior lighting
• Upgraded interior and exterior lighting package
• 6 x reading lights
• LED chart table flexi light
• Drinks locker auto lighting
• LED companionway and step lighting for night sailing
• LED navigation lights and anchor light

Deck Equipment &Amp; Rig

• Rigging and Spars:
• Selden silver anodised, double spreader 11/12 fractional mast
• Boom fitted with Stack Pack and lazy jacks
• Selden Furlex manual headsail furler
• Windex at masthead with light
• Spreader lights, steaming and deck floodlights
• Boom topping lift
• Selden manual backstay tensioner
• Selden rod kicker
• Selden spinnaker pole stowed on mast
• Echomax 230 radar reflector
• Dolphin sails radial cut, Pentex DCP Cruise-laminate
• Fully battened main with lazy jacks and Stack Pack mainsail cover
• 2 x reefs set from cockpit third reef available
• Battened furling jib 113%
• Asymmetric chute with deck gear and snuffer
• Deck Fittings:
• "Flightdeck" steering pedestal with front mounted, wrap around wheel for safe and easy use of pedestal instrumentation
• Stainless steel stemhead / bowsprit fitting with tack point for asymmetric cruising chute
• Upgraded Lewmar mainsheet traveller track and slider car with control lines with twin clutches for dual control
• 8 x Spinlock clutches for halyards, vang, outhaul and reef lines
• Lewmar genoa tracks with towable car adjustment, control lines and clutches
• 4 x safety harness attachment points
• Sprayhood on stainless steel frame, canvas Weathermax light charcoal
• Bimini on s/s frame, canvas Weathermax light charcoal
• Bimini side, back and link panels, removable
• Pushpit, pulpit and stanchions with boarding gates Port Stbd and stern
• Removable boarding ladder for side gates
• Teak quarter seats built into pulpit
• Integral bathing platform with s/s boarding / swimming ladder
• Cockpit table, removable, with padded stowage cover
• Fusion Marine cockpit speakers
• Cockpit cushions, seats and backrests
• Hot & cold shower at transom
• Canvas pedestal cover
• Additional s/s handrails on aft coachroof (in addition to standard set on main coachroof)
• LED transom step lights
• Large lazarette in stern with lockable lid on gas struts
• 2 x Lewmar 50 AST EVO electric headsail sheet winches
• Lewmar 45 AST EVO electric halyard in cockpit
• Lewmar 45 AST EVO manual reef winch in cockpit
• Lewmar 45 AST EVO electric mainsheet winch
• Lewmar 45 AST EVO manual mainsheet winch
• Lewmar 40 AST EVO halyard winch on mast
• Anchoring & Mooring Equipment:
• 6 x stainless steel mooring cleats
• Lewmar V3 12v 1000w electric anchor windlass for chain and rope with up/down switches
• 25kg (55lb) Delta anchor and 40m calibrated chain + 60m warp
• Windows & Hatches:
• 10 x opening hull ports
• 2 x Lewmar opening port through cockpit side into galley and aft shower
• 2 x Lewmar opening port through deck saloon window into galley and aft shower
• Wrap-around deck saloon windows comprising forward, port and starboard side windows
• Lewmar T60 flush hatch over fore cabin
• Acrylic fixed panel skylights forward of fore and aft deck hatches
• Lewmar T10 flush hatches over forward passage and forward w.c.
• Lewmar T70 flush hatch over aft cabin with vent
• Vertical sliding, self stowing 2-position washboard - acrylic
• Companionway sliding hatch - acrylic
• All acrylic is tinted dark grey
• Curtains to hull windows
• Oceanair blinds to deck saloon coachroof windows
• Oceanair blind plus fly screens to interior overhead hatches

Domestic Inventory

• Fore cabin with V-berth and infill, extensive stowage below, hanging locker, door to guest / day head / shower
• Light and bright saloon. Door into guest head / shower with drinks locker opposite with fitted glasses stowage.  Port and starboard settees / sea berths with stowage below.  Table with central stowage units and folding leaves.  Forward facing chart table
• Passageway style galley for safe use at sea with s/s sink, GN Espace gas cooker, separate fridge and freezer, rubbish bin and extensive storage including fitted crockery drawer
• Large aft cabin with centreline double berth giving easy access to both sides of the bed with stowage below.  Large hanging locker with stowage shelves outboard, settee, blanket box and recessed book case to port, forward facing desk / vanity unit to starboard, ironing board for use in galley
• Owner's head including large shower cubicle with semi-circular acrylic door and seat outboard
• Joinery upgraded to teak with contrasting oak sole boards
• Feature veneer, panelled doors, curtains to all hull ports
• Oceanair screens to overhead hatches and saloon coachroof windows
• Carpeting to aft cabin sole
• Lee cloths to stateroom and forward cabin
• Upholstery upgraded to Pearl Grey Alcantara for saloon and other seating with bi-density foam filling
• Washer / dryer in lazarette accessed via aft cabin
• Additional LED rope and accent lighting and additional Xenon overhead lights
• Corian counter tops with integral fiddles
• Stainless steel sink
• GN Espace stainless steel LPG cooker with oven, auto ignition 3-burner gimballed
• Gas solenoid with on/off switch at galley
• Frigoboat stainless steel fridge and freezer 12v keel cooled
• Panasonic 700w microwave
• Dinnerware, crockery, glasses, cutlery for 6 including storage
• Heads and showers:
• Corian counter tops
• Corian, Mont Blanc, floors
• 2 x wash hand basins
• Upgrade to 2 x Jabsco deluxe freshwater flush electric w.c's
• 230v electric heated towel rail in aft heads
• Provision for retrospective fitting of Air Conditioning

Navigation Equipment And A/V

• 2 x B&G Triton multifunction sailing instrument display for speed, depth and wind speed/direction including one additional MFD
• Steering compass at pedestal
• B&G 12 inch Zeus chart plotter at helm
• 8 inch CZone control unit at chart table with 3.5 inch unit in aft cabin
• Simrad RS25 VHF DSC telephone with masthead antenna
• B&G / Simrad 4kw HD radar
• B&G GPS
• Autopilot with controls integrated into Chart plotter
• Sony DVD / CD / MP3 player with FM stereo system with speakers
• 26 inch Panasonic LE screen on pop up system linked to DVD
• Glomex TV antenna at masthead

Safety &Amp; Loose Equipment

• Safety harness points
• Dedicated "easy launch" liferaft stowage locker in transom (liferaft not included)
• 6 x fenders
• Mooring warps
• Tidal clock
• Owner's manual including equipment handbooks and diagrams/schematics for electrical and engineering systems

Directions To Sea Ventures Swanwick

By Car from M27 coming from the West:

• Leave M27 at junction 8, and turn right at the roundabout at the bottom of the slip road, signposted Hamble A3024
• At the next (Tesco) roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A27/Providence Hill
• Continue for about 1.0 mile then turn right into Swanwick Marina at traffic lights.

By Car from M27 coming from the East:

• Leave M27 at junction 9, and turn left at the roundabout at end of slip road
• Turn right at next roundabout, signposted Hamble A27
• Continue along A27 for about 3 miles, turn left into Swanwick Marina at traffic lights. Sea Ventures are in an office overlooking the marina

Nearest station is Bursledon on the Southampton – Portsmouth line

Nearest mainline is Southampton Airport on the main London – Southampton line

Selling Your Boat

Selling Your Boat?

• DO YOU HAVE A BOAT YOU WISH TO SELL?
• Then why not get her listed with us at Swanwick & take advantage of the following:
• Huge Free internet presence with full boat listing & pictures until sold
• Experienced staff available everyday including weekends
• Excellent location within the River Hamble for accessing boats for sale
• Sale handled completely by Sea Ventures staff right through to completion. Huge group data base of customers looking for your boat
• Your boat will be listed on our website plus Yachtworld.com, Boatshop24.co.uk, Boatshop24.com, boats.com, The YachtMarket.com, Rightboat.com, EYB, Boats and Outboards etc etc
• To obtain your ‘Sellers Pack’ please call us!
• We hope you will instruct us to conduct the sale of your boat. She will be examined by many of our visitors and we will work hard to sell her for you.

Engine Count

Engine Horse Power

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tony Castro

Hull Material

Drive Transmission Description

6.88 meters

28108.94 kilograms

Fuel Tanks Capacity

101.18 liters

No of Heads

Water Tanks Capacity

ABOUT GUNFLEET 43

The Gunfleet 43 is 44 feet long and has a 13 feet beam. This 2012 diesel Gunfleet 43 powered by Volvo D2 with 55.0 horsepower. The Gunfleet 43 is made of fiberglass.

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The Gunfleet 58 from an owner´s perspective

• April 17th, 2018

There are not too many brands out there which can be labelled as manufacturing “luxurious blue water sailing yachts”. Of course, there is one name that jumps into our minds at an instant: Oyster Yachts. After more than 30 years of focusing on making arguably most impressive oceangoing vessels, this brand is indisputable the epitome of this class of sailing yacht. Indisputable but not uncontested: With its founder Richard Matthews selling and leaving the company in 2008 there soon appeared another brand on the market under his leadership. Gunfleet Marine.

Gunfleet Yachts, as it is said in their own mission statement, wants to take the concept of luxurious true blue water cruising to a whole new level. The Gunfleet 43 and 58 are quite successful in a market hard-fought by brands like Oyster, Contest, Discovery and all the others. I´ve talked to a German owner of a Gunfleet 58, current flagship of their line, about his impression of the boat and here´s what he was telling me.

“It was love at first sight.”

Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Burkhard, thanks for sharing your time with me to talk about your boat. First of all, let me ask: Since when have you got your Gunfleet 58 and what´s the story behind the boat?”

Burkhard: “The boat is actually the third yacht in my life. We bought her in March 2016 when she was in St. Lucia for sale as being the second owners now. You see, in a couple of years we want to cast off for the big loop with the family and we were looking for a boat that would make such a venture possible …”

NFS.com: “… and that was the Gunfleet?”

Burkhard: “No, not at all! In the first place we were looking into a used Oyster 56 – I am a huge fan of Oysters at this time – and I found that the Discovery 55 was also a great boat to take a look at. As the story goes, we´ve had opportunities on two Oysters and one Discovery. Later, everything was set up to have two of the boats inspected, flights had been booked and we were ready to go when my wife – on our way to the airport to fly down to X-Yachts in Haderslev where we had our current boat at this time – read an e-mail by a sales agent who was proposing the Gunfleet 58. I looked at the boat in the pictures attached, looked at my wife and said: This. Is. The. Boat!”

NFS.com: “Really?”

Burkhard: “Yes, that´s true! We cancelled the appointments and instead flew to St. Lucia. When I walked down the jetty where the boat was mooring, I can tell you, it was really love at first sight! She is such a gorgeous boat, such a gripping design. I thought to myself that this yacht really is the boat that can make come true everything we were dreaming of at this time.”

NFS.com: “So although you are an Oyster fan you went for the Gunfleet?”

Burkhard: “Well, you see, from the standpoint of material and building quality both yards are the same. Both offer the highest level of craftmanship and are top notch when it comes to finishing quality. Gunfleet, from my point of view, is a more modern design and I still think that the Gunfleet offers the best layout both on and below deck. Besides: When we were sailing out of St. Lucia for a demonstration we left the harbour and came out to the open sea when a flock of humpback wales was dashing along and started to jump and bounce. I took this as a good harbinger and we opted for the Gunfleet. I can tell you, we haven´t been regretting this decision a single time.”

“I am puzzled by her speed.”

NFS.com: “What are the sailing characteristics of the Gunfleet 58 in general? What would you tell us about the yacht as a sailing vessel?”

Burkhard: “Well of course, with 31 tons of displacement she is heavy ordnance indeed. But I must say that her sailplan is very, very well thought through. We have a wide choice of sails to hoist to be effectively powered in virtually all wind set-ups – but of course, the boat needs wind in the first place. To sum it up: She is a fantastic sailing vessel! I am extremely satisfied with her sailing abilities. She is very, very, very fast on all points of sail and I can tell you, when I am sailing during the weekends off Mallorca where a lot of Oysters are moored as well, we beat them with ease regularly. As I said: It´s a modern layout.”

NFS.com: “In some test videos on YouTube I did get the impression that the boat was tending towards slight excessive heeling when going upwind …?”

Burkhard: “… I don´t know what the people aboard did or did not for these films but I can´t confirm this impression. On the contrary, I have the feeling that the Gunfleet isn´t tending towards heeling too much compared to other boats. I am sailing with my family so of course I will put in a reef when wind is blowing strong. Or I´ll change to the smaller jibs. But, for example, in a broad reach point of sail the boat will never go slower than 9 knots, mostly hover around 10 knots or more. This is fantastic! She is very agile on the helm and a fast boat for her size and displacement for sure.”

NFS.com: “One of the big points on Gunfleet is the centreboard and therefore variable draft. Are you utilizing this option in real life sailing often?”

Burkhard: “Oh yes we do! Very often, to be honest. The variable draft enables us to go very, very deep into anchoring bays or in harbours where boats of this size normally cannot go. This is an asset I am appreciating very much on the Gunfleet.”

“She is my dream yacht. Well, one of them…”

NFS.com: “Burkhard, tell me about her internal layout and what you like on her interior design . What do you love most about the Gunfleet?”

Burkhard: “Well, first of all, there is so much volume inside! She is so huge. As you know, I like Oysters and used to sail on these boats a lot. The Oyster 56 and her successor, the Oyster 575 used to be the boats of my dreams. But when Oyster was coming up with the 675, I thought that this must be the ultimate dream yacht of them all! And now, I tell you one little story: Mooring in Mallorca, one of my neighbours at the jetty owns a 675. When I one day was invited onto his yacht, I was puzzled how small the aft cabin was compared to my boat. 10 feet more and the cabins are smaller? So you see, Gunfleet somehow managed to get more out of the 58 feet.”

NFS.com: “Is there anything you dislike on your yacht as well?”

Burkhard: “Of course. A boat is always a compromise and we are individuals with very special ideas and intentions. There are some things I really disliked about my boat. First of all I thought that the saloon was too spacious – what is great in harbour can pose a threat out on the seas. But this was a unnecessary concern because there is grab handles everywhere and the big saloon is no problem. What was really not good was the roofing panel´s clothing. This was a kind of leather that was too soft, too thick. It tended to get dents and bulges very easily and I invested a lot of money to rip off the whole roofing panels, get them out and refurbished by a yard …”

NFS.com: “Oh, I know what you are talking about …“

Burkhard: “What I also didn´t like was the flooring panels. I love the Walnut timber. It´s a great and unique design and a special grain. But the floor was so soft that even sunglasses falling down out of my pocket would leave defects in the wood. That´s not tolerable. So again, the yard had to apply a covering lamination to harden the material.”

NFS.com: “That´s mere cosmetics then. Nothing structural or technological?”

Burkhard: “Yes. I found that the overall capacity of the batteries was far too little. We upgraded the battery bunks to 1.000 amp-hours. When on an ocean passage, I don´t want to start the generator or engine on a daily basis. Last not least, Gunfleet´s decision to manage all the electric infrastructure with CZone by Mastervolt is a total mess in my eyes. We´ve had a number of – sometimes serious – problems and blackouts because of this system. This is, in my eyes, the greatest fault of the Gunfleet and I would never ever again go for a boat equipped with this technology.”

NFS.com: “But now the boat is finished and equipped in a way you want her?”

Burkhard: “Yes. She is an absolutely great boat and I am completely happy each time I board her. All of us are. The best thing is that my wife can go sunbathing or lounging where ever she wants to do this and me and my friends can do all the sailing stuff back in the cockpit without even bothering her with a single line. That´s fantastic! And you know what I like so much more over all the other yachts, especially Oysters?”

NFS.com: “… tell me please!”

Burkhard: “She looks just awesome with her sprayhood attached. That´s something that will make so many other boats look … unbalanced, if not ugly. But with the Gunfleet it´s different. She looks very well and her lines aren´t disturbed by the sprayhood. That´s an important thing from an aesthetics point of view. At least for me.”

“Casting off for the big tour in some years.”

NFS.com: “Burkhard, the boat is now stationed on Mallorca. What are you doing with your boat? Are there any plans for bigger trips?”

Burkhard: “Oh yes of course. The long term objective is the circumnavigation in a few years time. She is the perfect boat for doing this. You see, I wanted to own and sail a boat for at least three years before casting off for such a big adventure. I want everything to be perfect and I want to know my boat. So right now we are shaking her down in every respect to be able to identify possible weaknesses – like the insufficient battery capacity for example – to iron out this stuff.”

NFS.com: “And then it´s off and away?”

Burkhard: “Yeah, I think so. Of course I´ll have to work for a couple of years from now to have the bank account well loaded to be able to finance such a tour. But we as a family are working towards this big aim. But underway there is still so much to explore in the Mediterranean: I want to sail to the Southern coast of France to stay there for a while, then it´s the Adriatic and this alone bears so many great places to be seen.”

NFS.com: “When you will be casting off for the circumnavigation, which route do you have in mind?”

Burkhard: “The classic Coconut-Milk Run I guess. Through the Panama Canal …”

NFS.com: “… not down South around the Horn?”

Burkhard: “No, I think there you will need other boats. The Gunfleet is a perfect yacht in a sense as we need her but I would choose a different boat when it comes to the more extreme Latitudes . My dream, if money wouldn´t be a question, would be a Hutting yacht. This is really a “go anywhere”-boat. But don´t get me wrong, I love the Gunfleet: For what we plan to be doing with her she is just perfect. For the Coconut-Milk Run she offers from my point of view the best mix between volume, comfort and sailing performance. Maybe the Discovery is slightly better in terms of seaworthiness but this should be marginal.”  

Burkhard, I wish you, your family and your boat thousands of unforgettable miles under sails and the best of luck for your plans. Let´s stay in touch and keep me updated on your sailing adventures aboard your fine Gunfleet 58. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the boat here on NO FRILLS SAILING.com.

Pictures with kind permission of Gunfleet Marine and Private

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Gunfleet Marine

Before creating Gunfleet, Founder, Richard Matthews, spent over 35 years building up one of the UK’s most successful yacht companies, Oyster, which he sold in 2008. Looking for a new challenge, the idea of utilising all these years of experience to form a new yacht building brand proved irresistible and the Gunfleet range of performance, variable draft cruising yachts was launched. The Gunfleet brand is operated by Windboats Marine. Moulding and fitting out is carried out at their two sites in Norfolk, then the yachts are launched and commissioned at Fox’s Marina in Ipswich, where the Sales Office is located. Gunfleet Marine Riverside Fox’s Marina Ipswich Suffolk IP2 8NJ www.gunfleetmarine.com

• Tony Castro

2 sailboats built by Gunfleet Marine

Gunfleet 43

Gunfleet 58

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