The Plas Trend 32, a performance-oriented monohull, emerged in 1973 as a testament to the era's focus on competitive sailing and advanced composite construction. Designed by the highly acclaimed naval architect Britton Chance Jr., and built by Plastrend, later known as Composite Technologies, this sailboat was crafted to excel on the racecourse while offering a capable platform for cruising. Its creation was particularly influenced by revisions to the International Offshore Rule (IOR), reflecting a design ethos centered on speed and robustness.
History and Design
The story of the Plas Trend 32 began in 1973, under the banner of Plastrend, a company founded by passionate sailor Andy Green in Fort Worth, Texas. Plastrend, which would later evolve into Composite Technologies and then Island Yacht Corp., quickly established a reputation for producing fast and tough sailing vessels through its innovative use of composite materials. The PT-32 itself was a direct response to a revision in the International Offshore Rule (IOR), a popular measurement rule for racing sailboats at the time. It was conceived as a lengthened and modified version of the earlier PT-30 model, with the explicit intention of accommodating these rule changes.
The design genius behind the PT-32 was Britton Chance Jr., a prodigious naval architect celebrated for his creative and efficient hull designs for high-speed yachts, including those for America's Cup contenders. 5, 6, 12, 13, builder article Chance's philosophy focused on optimizing hull forms for speed and performance, a vision that aligned perfectly with Plastrend's commitment to competitive sailing. The company's manufacturing ethos during this period emphasized durable, high-performance construction, leveraging advanced composite technologies to position their boats at the forefront of modern boat building.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The Plas Trend 32 is rigged as a masthead sloop, a configuration known for its robust and easily managed sail plan. With a length overall of just under 32 feet and a waterline length of 27.33 feet, she combines a reasonable size with performance-oriented dimensions. Her fin keel and spade rudder contribute to responsive handling and efficient hydrodynamics.
Interpreting her key performance ratios reveals much about her character on the water:
- Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 16.36: This figure suggests that the PT-32 possesses moderate light-air performance. While not an extreme light-wind ghoster, she has enough sail area relative to her displacement to move effectively in lighter conditions, indicating a balanced approach to speed across a range of wind strengths.
- Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of 0.519 (51.9%): This is a notably high ratio, indicating exceptional stiffness and stability. A boat with this much ballast relative to its total weight will stand up to a strong breeze, resist heeling, and provide a comfortable, secure motion in a seaway. This characteristic would be highly valued by both racers looking to carry sail longer and cruisers seeking comfort.
- Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of 227.4: Falling into the moderate category, this ratio positions the PT-32 as a well-balanced cruiser-racer. She is neither an ultralight displacement boat designed purely for speed nor an extremely heavy displacement cruiser, but rather a versatile vessel capable of both spirited sailing and comfortable passage-making. Owners report that she combines good sailing performance with comfortable accommodations, hinting at her dual-purpose design.
Accommodations and Layout
While detailed interior specifics can vary between individual boats due to owner modifications and upgrades over the decades, the Plas Trend 32 was designed to offer practical accommodations suitable for coastal cruising or racing crew. The layout typically includes a galley, providing essential amenities for meal preparation while underway or at anchor. The interior design likely reflects the sensibilities of the early 1970s, prioritizing functionality and durability with fiberglass components and often featuring wood trim. Given her moderate displacement and nearly 10-foot beam, the interior would have offered a reasonable amount of volume for a boat of her size from that era.