sigma 33 or what?

Judders said:
Forgive me if I am wrong, but if I recall correctly, it wasn't just any article, it was in the RORC Yearbook and the race was the Double Handed Fastnet.
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Testament to what is a timeless classic!

Sometime ago, I owned a 33 for 4 years - great boat that can require a lot of love. I think it is fair to say that all have seen action on the field of battle and have the scars to proof it. :) BUT do not let that put you off, as the above clearly shows.
 
halyardmonkey. said:
Sadlers, seem like too much money for what they are, as so contessa's. Don't get me wrong, I love the boat and their look but they always want too much money for them in my opinion........
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Dont knock 'em until you've tried them. The 29 is a cracking boat. Beautifully practical in layout. The 32 is probably the best sailor (though I am yet to have the pleasure). The 34 is the best of the oldschool cruiser/racers where the emphasis is not on the racer. One of my best mates is doing one up at the moment and it had allowed us to really get to know how she was built. David Sadler was not a professional designer, his day job was building tanks and it really shows in the layups of the Sadler range. When I started racing you used to see 34s out in offshore races but not so much anymore. I guess they're just a little bit heavy by modern standards, perhaps a little too slow to get up to speed. Great boats though and I note that whilst MAEJ of this parish claims he's a strict cruising man, he has included racing cover on his insurance so watch out MYC!
 
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lotusman said:
Judders said:
Albin Ballad! Oh my word, for that money you could have a very nice ALbin Ballad and what a boat that is.

I would second the recommendation of Albin Ballad, and would also suggest Albin Nova. A couple feet longer than the Ballad, similar performance to a Sigma 33 but better manners. Not many about in this country but worth the search. I cruised one extensively for ten years and raced occasionally.
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Doesn't seem to be an Albin Nova available in this country- loads of them if you cross the north sea. However, found one for £14k in america...... That would leave almost enough money to sail it home....... Two ambitions met in one hit!!!!!
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Judders said:
Forgive me if I am wrong, but if I recall correctly, it wasn't just any article, it was in the RORC Yearbook and the race was the Double Handed Fastnet.
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Umm, the PBO articles told of how he rescued it, fixed the osmosis, refitted for offshore racing, did a SH Transat or AZAB (can't recall) and then got it back to a cruiser to sod off for a year on the Atlantic circuit with his GF when the recession started. Sensible fella!
 
armchairsailor said:
Umm, the PBO articles told of how he rescued it, fixed the osmosis, refitted for offshore racing, did a SH Transat or AZAB (can't recall) and then got it back to a cruiser to sod off for a year on the Atlantic circuit with his GF when the recession started. Sensible fella!
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I believe it was the OSTAR and he won that too!

I must look out the PBO articles.
 
armchairsailor said:
Umm, the PBO articles told of how he rescued it, fixed the osmosis, refitted for offshore racing, did a SH Transat or AZAB (can't recall) and then got it back to a cruiser to sod off for a year on the Atlantic circuit with his GF when the recession started. Sensible fella!
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How many students do you know who could afford to do all that?????
 
halyardmonkey. said:
How many students do you know who could afford to do all that?????
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He bought it with his student loan, £7000. It was a wreck, full of water and old diesel. By the time he finished it was better than a new Rassey down below. It is a cruising version, shorter mast and shallower keel. He goes by the name of Will Sayer, top bloke, top sailor.
 
So really, after all the debate and suggestions, buying a sigma 33 seems like a really good bet, as long as one takes reasonable precautions that it is not knackered and bent in two from attempting to flatten knackered sails......

Interesting that it was the cruising version that was successful off shore..... I wonder why?

Although a really nice albin ballad is very tempting!!!!!
 
There are 2 sigma 33's on the apollo duck ireland site both with a starting price of less than 15k sterling, I think one is the ood and one cruising.
I got one in April 2010 messed about over that summer and worked on her over the winter, they are a very simple boat to work on. I was able to do all work single handed and out of doors between oct 2010 and may 2011.

http://s1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/saltylegs/

If I had a choice of all the ones listed above I would still go for the Sigma still the best sailing boat. IMO:)
 
Impalas definitely seem to be able to give a good account of themselves under IRC so worth looking at.

Another design that wasn't mentioned above is the older Dehlers, either 31 or 34. They rate pretty well under IRC too and can compete with the Sigmas.
 
I can only add my support for the Sigma 33. I currently own one and have had a great deal of fun with it. You should make sure though that you get the best one that you can.

My boat had not had much done to it since it was first sailed. So I knew it would be a bit of a learning curve when it came to renovating it. It has therefore been a bit of a work in progress to get it back to a good condition inside and out. I am about half way through my renovation program. I have made sure though that any work that is done must not affect me being able to sail it in the summer.

Oh and i cant wait to get her back in the water. If only my work and social life would ease up!!
 
halyardmonkey. said:
Interesting that it was the cruising version that was successful off shore..... I wonder why?
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As I understand it there are three reasons.

Firstly, the handicappers really favour the rig and keel arrangement. On a fully crewed race this would not be sufficient advantage but things like a furler and a smaller more easilly managed rig come into their own for the short handed racing. (This is, I suppose, why IRC is phasing in different ratings for singlehanded races)

Whilst it was neglected prior to Mr Sayers owenership, it was not bent double and allowed to go floppy like so many racers.

Thirdly, and probably most importantly, Will Sayer is a legend of a sailor. When he goes double handed he takes along Matt Glasgow who is also very good.
 
Judders said:
Dont knock 'em until you've tried them. The 29 is a cracking boat. Beautifully practical in layout. The 32 is probably the best sailor (though I am yet to have the pleasure). The 34 is the best of the oldschool cruiser/racers where the emphasis is on the racer. One of my best mates is doing one up at the moment and it had allowed us to really get to know how she was built. David Sadler was not a professional designer, his day job was building tanks and it really shows in the layups of the Sadler range. When I started racing you used to see 34s out in offshore races but not so much anymore. I guess they're just a little bit heavy by modern standards, perhaps a little too slow to get up to speed. Great boats though and I note that whilst MAEJ of this parish claims he's a strict cruising man, he has included racing cover on his insurance so watch out MYC!
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my sentiments exactly-
 
I'm another one who has owned and raced both an Impala (in Hong Kong) and a Sigma 33 (in the UK). Both excellent value, straightforward boats that provided loads of enjoyment for modest money. For this country I would prefer the Sigma 33; not quite as sharp a racer, but the extra size and weight makes coastal sailing much more feasible. And the greater numbers mean there is more chance of you finding boat-on-boat racing which is really the only way to go.

Hats off to David Thomas for his design skills!
 
EuanMcKenzie said:
have you thought of one of these - great rowaway factor

you may be able to haggle it down to budget

http://yachts.apolloduck.com/display.phtml?aid=236935

either that or there are lots of hustler SJ30s around at very sensible money
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I sail regularly on a SJ 35 and think the Sj's are fantastic..... I have only one difficulty with them and that is the running back stays..... Other than that, a great recommendation!!!!!
 
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