Mirage 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Mirage 33 began production in 1982, emerging from the Canadian shipyard Mirage Yachts Ltd. in Vaudreuil, Quebec. Founded by Dick and Irene Steffen, Mirage Yachts had already established a reputation for building sailboats that excelled in both racing and cruising capacities. The collaboration with Robert Perry, which defined a decade of steady growth for Mirage, was pivotal in the development of models like the Mirage 33. Robert Perry is renowned for designing some of the most successful cruising yachts in modern sailing, and he even coined the term "performance cruising" to describe his design ethos. His work with Mirage aimed to create capable cruising yachts that still offered strong sailing characteristics.

The Mirage 33 shares a close lineage with the Mirage 35, both designed by Robert Perry and introduced around the same time. The primary distinctions lie in the Mirage 35's reverse transom and slightly longer hull (two feet longer than the 33-foot model), along with a few hundred pounds more displacement. These variations suggest a refinement or slight expansion on a successful design platform, offering options for sailors with slightly different preferences for stern profile and interior volume.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mirage 33 is designed as a masthead sloop, boasting a reported total sail area of 468 square feet. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.84, the Mirage 33 is considered a moderate performer, suggesting a good all-around capability in various wind conditions rather than excelling solely in light or heavy air. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 37.6% indicates a respectable level of stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up well to a decent breeze. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 216.7 places the Mirage 33 in the moderate displacement category for a cruiser, suggesting a boat that is reasonably nimble and responsive for its size, without being an ultralight racer.

Owners have described the Mirage 33 as a reasonably good performer that is stable and stiff. However, some owners have noted that the hull is quite flat, which contributes to speed in lighter airs but can lead to a "belly-flopping" motion in heavy seas. The boat is generally considered fun to sail and offers sporty yet comfortable sailing, making it suitable for both club racing and cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Mirage 33 is generally regarded as spacious below decks, offering an open layout. A typical interior arrangement includes a single quarter berth and a chart table area. Owners often praise the generous headroom, although the head compartment may be perceived as somewhat cramped by some. The interior design drawn by Robert Perry for the Mirage 33/35 models did include storage behind the settees, though the actual production interiors by Mirage Yachts may have varied slightly from Perry's original plans. The interior typically features a bright and well-laid-out space, often with new portlights contributing to an airy feel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mirage 33 generally appreciate its robust construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics. The boat is known for being a solid choice for those seeking a balance of cruising comfort and racing potential. However, some recurring points of discussion among owners include the observation that the original spars can be quite light and may be prone to breaking under significant loads. Additionally, the hull-to-keel join has been mentioned as an area that might require attention. Despite these points, many owners remain active in communities dedicated to these Canadian-built boats, drawn to their continued competitive performance and relative affordability in the used boat market.