Medalist 33 Mk I (LE Comte) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Medalist 33 Mk I began its production run in 1962 and was built until 1965. Its introduction marked a significant turning point for LeComte-Holland, as it was a cornerstone of their strategic transition to fiberglass construction, moving away from traditional wooden boats. William H. Tripp Jr., the designer, was renowned for creating "winning and weatherly sailboats" and for his understanding of what constituted a "decent cruising boat" 3, 4, Builder Article. His design philosophy for the Medalist 33 Mk I aimed to blend these attributes, resulting in a hull that was considered "slightly more speedy" for its class and era.

LeComte Yachts, under the guidance of Adolf "Dolf" LeComte, brought this design to life with their characteristic commitment to quality. During this period, LeComte established a reputation for constructing solid-glass hulls for exceptional structural integrity, complemented by Airex-cored decks for strength without excessive weight. Interiors were finished with yacht-quality varnished joinery, a hallmark of LeComte craftsmanship that provided a luxurious and classic feel.

Throughout its production, the Medalist 33 saw several iterations. The original Mk I featured a fin keel. Later versions, known as the Mk II and Mk III, were redesigned by LeComte and sometimes featured a longer "trunk" cabin and a newer underbody, including a separate spade rudder. Some original Mk I vessels were also later refitted with spade rudders and taller rigs, with renowned designer Ted Hood having contributed a new, taller rig design for later versions of the Medalist 33. The Medalist 33 series was eventually phased out in 1970 in favor of the LeComte ALC-35.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Medalist 33 Mk I, with its robust build and design, offers a distinctive sailing experience. Its displacement of 11,700 lbs combined with a waterline length of 22.5 feet gives it a high displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 458.5. This indicates a heavy, traditional cruising boat, which typically translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway and good directional stability.

The sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) for the Medalist 33 Mk I is approximately 14.18. While this ratio suggests the boat may not be a spirited performer in light air, it indicates a sail plan well-suited for handling stronger winds and offshore conditions. Complementing this, the ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 0.316. While moderate, this figure, combined with its heavy displacement and fin keel, contributes to the boat's stability and ability to stand up to a breeze. Indeed, the Medalist 33 boasts a capsize screening value of 1.77, a metric that suggests its suitability for offshore passages. Overall, the Medalist 33 Mk I delivers a steady, predictable, and capable sailing performance, making it a reliable choice for coastal cruising and extended voyages where comfort and seaworthiness are prioritized over outright speed.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Medalist 33 Mk I are not widely documented online, the reputation of LeComte Yachts provides strong indicators of its accommodation quality. LeComte was known for "yacht-quality varnished finishes" and superb joinery. Owners of the era frequently praised the excellent condition of the interior finishes.

Typically, a sailboat of the Medalist 33's size and era would feature a conventional layout designed for comfortable cruising. This would likely include a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon would offer settees for seating and sleeping, often with a convertible dinette. A galley area, complete with a sink and perhaps a stove, would usually be located towards the aft part of the salon, with a quarter berth or navigation station nearby. Given LeComte's emphasis on quality, one can expect well-crafted wood trim, durable upholstery, and thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. While the maximum headroom is not specified in available data, the general spaciousness typical of a 33-foot cruiser of its time would have been considered adequate for its primary purpose.