Sydney 38: Racing in Comfort

The Sydney 38, the latest racer/cruiser from Sydney Yachts of Australia, has established a six-boat fleet in Chicago, bringing the total of boats worldwide to nearly 40. A group of sailors in the Chicago area were tired of PHRF racing and unsatisfied with the choices available to them in one-designs — boats either too cruising oriented or dedicated soley to racing. What they got in the Sydney 38 was a racer/cruiser weighted heavily toward racing, with just enough amenities below to make for comfortable weekend cruising.

Other design considerations for the group were the ability to shorthand as well as class rules that would keep down the costs of a competitive campaign. The group found what it wanted in the new one-design from Sydney Yachts, and after long consultation with the designers and builders purchased an initial fleet of six. The first two arrived in April, and there is now a complete racing series established throughout the summer and fall. The Chicago group has had a great deal of influence on the class rules.

The Sydney 38 carries no internal ballast. Its deep keel provides stiffness and a lot of righting moment. Strict class rules limit the type of sails available (carbon fiber and PBO are prohibited). Owners are permitted to measure a limited inventory of sails within 12 months of purchase: a mainsail, number 1, 2 and 3 spinnakers, three large jibs and one heavy weather jib (complying to the Offshore Racing Council Safety Rule). Only three new class sails may be measured every 12 months.

Class racing rules state that no more than two crew members can be other than group 1 (amateur), and the skipper must be a group 1 sailor. Even owners are prohibited from driving the boat in class events if they are not in group 1. On long-distance races the rule is relaxed a bit to allow other team members to helm. However, for the first and last hour of the race the boat must be helmed by a group 1 sailor.

Hull construction is of polyester and vinylester resins with a PVC foam and end-grain balsa. All deck gear is from Harken. The rig is simple swept-back spreaders and non overlapping headsails. The engine is a Yanmar 3GM30 with sail drive and a folding propeller. Construction is to ISO 9002 standards. Boats bound for Europe will be supplied with the Community of Europe certificate.

Boat Specifications