Giro 34 Information, Review, Specs

Maxi Dolphin, known for its dedication to high-performance sailing yachts crafted with advanced composite materials, launched the Giro 34 in 1999, marking its foray into a specific one-design class. The shipyard, founded by Vittorio Moretti in 1987, quickly established itself as a leader in custom-built yachts, blending cutting-edge technology with elegant design, a philosophy perfectly aligned with the Giro 34's creation. Their expertise in vacuum-laminated carbon fiber sandwich construction, a hallmark of their vessels, would undoubtedly have contributed to the Giro 34's lightweight yet robust nature.

History and Design

The Giro 34's lineage began in 1999, specifically commissioned to participate in the arduous Around Italy race. This clear mandate shaped its design ethos, prioritizing speed, agility, and the ability to perform exceptionally in varied conditions. The collaboration with Finot / Conq, a design office celebrated for its innovative and often race-winning designs, ensured the Giro 34 inherited a pedigree of performance. Maxi Dolphin, with its reputation for custom and semi-custom luxury yachts built primarily in carbon fiber composite, was the ideal builder for such an ambitious project, ensuring the use of lightweight materials and advanced construction techniques. The initial ten units of the Giro 34 were built with this specific race series in mind, solidifying its identity as a one-design regatta monohull. Notable features from its design include a rotating carbon spar, a bulb keel, and an innovative water ballast system, all contributing to its high-performance profile.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The design specifications of the Giro 34 reveal a yacht engineered for exhilarating performance. With a length overall of 33.46 feet and an equally long waterline, she is designed to maximize speed through the water. Her calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 27.29 is remarkably high, indicating exceptional light-air performance and the ability to accelerate quickly. This suggests a boat that is lively and responsive, capable of performing well even in gentle breezes.

Further enhancing her performance characteristics is the Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio. While the fixed ballast accounts for about 31% of her displacement, the Giro 34 is uniquely equipped with a water ballast system (two 750-liter tanks), which, when engaged, brings the effective ballast to displacement ratio to an impressive 0.71. This exceptionally high figure translates to immense stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to carry its sail plan effectively in stronger winds and maintain an upright position, crucial for both speed and comfort in a seaway.

Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 217.76 places her in the light-to-moderate displacement category for a boat of her size. This, combined with her fin keel with a bulb and spade rudder, indicates a design focused on performance, minimizing wetted surface area for speed and maximizing maneuverability. The Giro 34 is rigged as a fractional sloop and further benefits from a rotating carbon spar, an advanced feature typically found on high-performance racing yachts, which allows for optimal sail trim and increased efficiency. Collectively, these attributes describe a sailboat that is both powerful and precise, rewarding skilled sailors with a thrilling experience on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily conceived for performance, the Giro 34 does offer a functional interior suitable for racing crews and short-term cruising. Detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented, but based on typical performance cruisers and available information, the accommodations are designed to be practical. Essential amenities include a water system, a shower, a chart table for navigation, a stereo system, a refrigerator, and a galley sink. Given Maxi Dolphin's reputation for quality craftsmanship and use of fine materials, it can be inferred that while the focus is on utility and weight-saving, the finish would still reflect a high standard of marine construction. The layout would likely prioritize efficient use of space, possibly featuring a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon area that converts for sleeping, and quarter berths aft, all designed to be ergonomic and secure when sailing offshore.