SR 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the SR 33 traces back to 1992, when designer Glenn Henderson initially built two examples of the boat himself. Following these initial builds, the design and tooling for the SR 33 were sold to C&C Yachts. This period marked a significant phase for C&C Yachts, as the company, under new Hong Kong-based ownership (C&C Yachts International) from 1992, embarked on producing new models, including the Glenn Henderson-designed "SR range" of sport boats. C&C's manufacturing ethos during this era continued its tradition of lightweight construction and rakish designs, though it had undergone various ownership changes and challenges. Henderson's design philosophy for the SR 33 appeared to prioritize a "significantly more spacy hull design," likely hinting at volume for performance or interior utility, though specific details remain limited. While individual boats received modifications, such as a masthead chute or a larger main on Hull #1, there were no documented formal variations like MkI or MkII during its limited production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C SR 33's design ratios underscore its identity as a potent performance vessel. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, calculated at approximately 28.0, is exceptionally high, indicating that the SR 33 is significantly powered for its displacement and is expected to excel in light-air conditions. [Source: Calculation from provided The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio, at roughly 44.7%, suggests a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to considerable wind and maintaining its sail plan effectively. [Source: Calculation from provided Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of around 251, the SR 33 falls into the moderate weight class for its waterline length, striking a balance between light-displacement responsiveness and the more controlled motion of a heavier cruiser. [Source: Calculation from provided

Anecdotal reports from owners and competitive sailors reinforce these metrics, describing the SR 33 as "dead fast in all conditions." 6, from prior search It is particularly praised for being "extremely good in light air." In head-to-head racing, the SR 33 has been noted to be considerably faster than comparable designs like the Tripp 33 in winds under 8 knots, remaining competitive up to 12 knots. 7, from prior search Its precise handling characteristics make it a favored choice for PHRF racing, capable of achieving "Boat of the Year" titles in competitive fleets. Owners also find it suitable for shorthanded sailing with the aid of a tiller or wheel pilot.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary purpose as a racing sailboat, the accommodations on the C&C SR 33 are designed to be functional and weight-conscious rather than luxurious. While specific detailed interior layouts or dimensions (beyond the absence of a maximum headroom specified in available data) are not widely publicized, it is understood that the SR 33 features an "all teak interior," providing a classic and durable finish within its performance-oriented cabin. As a 33-foot vessel, it would typically include basic amenities such as a V-berth forward, a main salon area that may convert to additional berths, a compact galley for simple meal preparation, and a marine head. Storage would likely be optimized for gear and sails, reflecting its racing heritage. Ventilation would rely on deck hatches and portlights, common for boats of its size and era. The interior is generally understood to be more minimalist than that of a dedicated cruising yacht, prioritizing space efficiency and reducing unnecessary weight for performance gains.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the C&C SR 33 for its exceptional racing prowess and exhilarating performance. The boat is highly regarded as a "great PHRF racer" and has demonstrated its competitive edge by winning significant titles, such as "Boat of the Year." Owners frequently highlight its speed across a range of conditions and its agility on the racecourse. While detailed long-term reviews or common maintenance issues are not extensively documented due to the limited number of boats built, the active presence of SR 33 owners on online forums suggests a dedicated community and a high level of satisfaction with the boat's sailing capabilities and overall quality. The lack of widespread reported common problems further suggests a robust and well-built design for its intended purpose.