Gib'sea 90 Plus Information, Review, Specs

The Gib'Sea 90 Plus holds a unique place in the history of Gibert Marine, a company founded in 1972 by Olivier Gibert, the former Operations Director for Jeanneau. While Gibert Marine, known for its Gib'sea brand, quickly earned a reputation for producing practical, comfortable, and spacious cruising yachts ideal for the charter trade, the 90 Plus marked a foray into high-performance racing. Designed by Jacques Fauroux, the 90 Plus was specifically tailored for the Solitaire du Figaro, an iconic single-handed IOR 1/2 ton level racing event of that era.

Fauroux's design for the 90 Plus leveraged the then-current IOR rule to create a boat optimized for speed and agility. This racing pedigree meant certain design choices prioritized performance over the extensive creature comforts typically associated with Gib'sea's broader cruising line. Approximately 40 units of both the Gib'Sea 90 Plus and its cruising sibling, the Gib'Sea 90, were built during their production run. The cruising version, introduced shortly after the Plus, featured a masthead rig, suggesting a more forgiving sail plan and potentially a more conventional interior aimed at family cruising rather than offshore competition.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gib'Sea 90 Plus, with a length overall of just under 30 feet and a waterline length of approximately 25.26 feet, exhibits characteristics of a lively and performance-oriented sailboat. Its design, featuring a fractional sloop rig, fin keel, and spade rudder, points to a boat built for responsiveness and speed.

Analyzing its performance ratios, the Gib'Sea 90 Plus reveals its racing intentions:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 33.85: This very high ratio indicates exceptional light-air performance, allowing the boat to generate considerable speed even in minimal breeze. Such a high number is characteristic of high-performance racers, suggesting that the boat is eager to accelerate and sail efficiently when the wind is light.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of 0.344: With 34.4% of its displacement in ballast, the 90 Plus offers moderate stability. While not as high as some dedicated offshore cruisers, this ratio provides a good balance between stiffness for standing up to a breeze and a lighter displacement for agility, which is desirable in a racing context.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of 177: This ratio classifies the Gib'Sea 90 Plus as a relatively light and performance-oriented boat for its length. A D/L in this range typically suggests a vessel that is easily driven, agile, and responsive, further reinforcing its racing credentials.

Anecdotal reports align with these metrics, describing the Gib'Sea 90 Plus as a "very high performer" that is "stable / stiff". Its fin keel and spade rudder contribute to excellent maneuverability and direct steering, making it an engaging boat to sail for those who appreciate a responsive helm.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its origins as a half-ton racer for the Solitaire du Figaro, the interior accommodations of the Gib'Sea 90 Plus were likely designed with functionality and weight-saving in mind, rather than luxurious cruising comfort. While specific detailed layouts are not readily available, it can be inferred that the "Plus" version would have offered a relatively spartan and efficient interior, prioritizing space for essential equipment and crew operations during races.

Typically for racing yachts of this size and era, the interior would feature a basic V-berth forward, a compact head, and a saloon area that might convert into additional berths. A small galley, perhaps with a basic stove and sink, would provide minimal cooking facilities. Storage would be practical, intended for sails and racing gear rather than extensive personal effects. Headroom details for the 90 Plus are not specified in the available data, but given its overall length and performance focus, it would likely be adequate but not exceptionally generous. The cruising variant, the Gib'Sea 90, would have featured a more developed interior with additional amenities and a greater emphasis on comfort for longer stays aboard.