The MG RS34 is a distinctive sailboat that emerged from the era of International Offshore Rule (IOR) racing, designed to offer a compelling blend of performance and cruising capability. Conceived by the renowned naval architect Rob Humphreys and built by Northshore Yachts, this 34-foot fractional sloop gained a reputation as a lively and capable vessel. Based on the successful 1982 IOR 3/4 ton design "Roller Skate," the MG RS34 carved a niche for sailors seeking a competitive edge on the race course without sacrificing the comforts suitable for weekend family cruising.
History and Design
Production of the MG RS34 commenced in 1983 by MG Yachts in Scotland, a company associated with Northshore Yachts, which was known for its robust and adaptable yacht construction. The boat's design lineage traces directly to Rob Humphreys' successful IOR 3/4 ton "Roller Skate" design, with the prototype known as "Seren Wib." The initial production run saw approximately 15 boats built, continuing until around 1986.
Rob Humphreys' philosophy for the MG RS34 was clearly geared towards performance within the strictures of the IOR rule, aiming to create a fast and responsive boat. During this period, Northshore Yachts, through its various lines including MG, was committed to producing well-regarded GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) vessels. The MG RS34 was offered in both Grand Prix and Racer/Cruiser versions, allowing owners to select a configuration best suited to their sailing aspirations. This flexibility underscored the design's dual purpose, appealing to both competitive sailors and those who desired spirited cruising.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The MG RS34's design ratios reveal a clear emphasis on performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.33, the boat demonstrates excellent potential for light-air performance, suggesting it can ghost along in marginal conditions. Its displacement to length ratio (Disp/L) of around 136.3 places it firmly in the category of lighter, more performance-oriented yachts, a hallmark of IOR designs of the era. The ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) stands at approximately 31.5%, indicating a moderate level of stiffness that, combined with its fin keel and spade rudder, contributes to a balanced helm and responsive handling.
Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the MG RS34's speed and agility, particularly in lighter winds, with some describing it as "unbelievably quick." The boat's fractional sloop rig, coupled with solid rod standing rigging, speaks to its robust construction designed to withstand the demands of spirited sailing. Its hull type, a monohull constructed of solid fiberglass, further ensures a sturdy platform capable of achieving its calculated hull speed of 7.28 knots. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration are typical for performance yachts, providing good lift and control.
Accommodations and Layout
While the MG RS34's primary focus was performance, its interior layout was designed to offer practical accommodations for cruising. Despite specific headroom figures not being widely published, the design is noted for being "more spacy than 66% of all other designs," suggesting a relatively generous interior volume for a boat of its size and type. Typically, a 34-foot racer/cruiser from this era would feature a conventional layout including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, a compact galley, a navigation station, and an enclosed head. Some configurations were known to offer up to six berths, providing ample sleeping arrangements for a crew or family. The fiberglass hull and deck construction provided a durable foundation for the interior, with finishes often incorporating wood trim to create a warmer, more traditional sailing ambiance.
Owner's Perspectives
Owners of the MG RS34 often express enthusiasm for their vessels, drawn to the boat's lively sailing characteristics and robust build. The passionate community around these yachts is evident, with some owners even creating dedicated resources to compile information due to the scarcity of data for this particular model. The MG RS34 has been successfully campaigned in races, with notable examples like Michael Peacock's "Juno" achieving success, further cementing its reputation as a capable performer. While specific common weaknesses are not widely documented for the sailboat, the overall sentiment points to a well-regarded yacht that delivers on its promise of performance-oriented cruising.