Gib'sea 126 Information, Review, Specs

Gibert Marine, founded by Olivier Gibert in 1972, quickly gained recognition for producing fiberglass sailing yachts that prioritized comfort and practicality. The company, which would later be acquired by Dufour Yachts, became synonymous with robustly built cruising vessels that found particular favor in the charter trade throughout the 1980s.

History and Design

The Gib'Sea 126 was in production from 1981 to 1986. During this period, Gibert Marine, influenced by its close ties to the Jeanneau shipyard through its founder Olivier Gibert's partnership with Henri Jeanneau's daughter, focused on creating yachts known for their durability and user-friendly characteristics. The design by Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, a prolific duo in French naval architecture, aimed to balance comfortable accommodations with reliable sailing performance. Joubert and Nivelt are known for their expertise in both power and sailing yacht design, often recognized as seasoned sailors themselves. This partnership often focused on creating yachts with a distinct French cruising aesthetic.

Throughout its production run, the Gib'Sea 126 saw some variations, with the "MK2" designation appearing in some instances, indicating potential updates or revisions to the original design. While primarily rigged as a masthead sloop, there are also mentions of a ketch-rigged variant, known as the Gib'Sea 126 KETCH, broadening its appeal to those preferring the versatility of a ketch rig for offshore sailing. The hull itself is a roundbilge design, constructed of solid fiberglass, with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for offering a good balance of performance and protection.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 45 feet (44.67 ft) and a waterline length of 33.83 feet, the Gib'Sea 126 is characterized as a moderate displacement cruising yacht. Its Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 229, places it comfortably within the category of a moderate cruiser, suggesting a boat that offers a good balance between speed and load-carrying capacity without being overly light or heavy.

The Gib'Sea 126's Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.55 indicates that while she is capable under sail, she might be considered "slightly underpowered" in very light air. However, this moderate sail plan contributes to easier handling in stronger winds. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.34 suggests a respectable, though not exceptionally high, level of stiffness and stability. Owners generally describe the Gib'Sea 126 as "graceful under sail, comfortable and easy to handle," capable of maintaining a good righting capability. The fin keel provides good upwind performance, while the skeg-hung rudder ensures positive steering control and protection for the rudder in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The Gib'Sea 126 is renowned for its remarkably spacious interior, designed to offer significant comfort and liveability for a vessel of its size. The layout typically features ample cabin room, making it suitable for larger crews or families. Many configurations boast four total cabins, with accommodation for 6 to 8 berths, and often include two bathrooms and two heads, a generous provision for a boat of this era.

Upon descending the companionway, one typically finds a large navigation station to port and a well-appointed open galley, facilitating both meal preparation and social interaction. The interior often showcases a classic yacht finish, incorporating wooden flooring and trim, providing a cozy and traditional aesthetic. A notable feature on some models includes two aft cabins, which may be equipped with retractable taps and access to a separate shower, enhancing privacy and convenience for guests or family members. This focus on interior volume and practical amenities underscores Gib'Sea's commitment to comfortable cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Gib'Sea 126 for its robust construction and comfortable motion offshore, which are consistent with Gibert Marine's reputation for producing durable cruising yachts. The spacious accommodations are often highlighted as a significant strength, providing ample room for extended cruising or accommodating larger groups. The general ease of handling under sail is also commonly cited, making it a manageable vessel for a variety of sailing abilities. The moderate displacement and fin keel, combined with a skeg-hung rudder, provide a reassuringly stable ride and predictable steering.

While owner-specific forums or common issues were not extensively detailed in general search results, the overall sentiment points to a well-regarded cruising yacht that holds its value on the second-hand market due to its enduring build quality and thoughtful design for liveability. Some comments suggest it is a moderate weight sailboat that is "slightly under powered," implying it may not be a light-air speedster but will perform reliably in more typical cruising conditions.