Schock 34 GP Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Schock 34 GP commenced in 1985. Designed by Bruce Nelson and Bruce Marek, the sailboat was developed specifically as an International Offshore Rule racer. W.D. Schock, under the leadership of its founder William "Bill" D. Schock, had long established a reputation for building robust, forward-thinking fiberglass sailboats. The Schock 34 GP stands out as a "light weight, tall rig" version, serving as the pure racing platform from which the Schock 34 PC (Performance Cruiser) was later developed as a more cruising-friendly iteration. Despite its focused design, only three units of the Schock 34 GP were built, making it a rare vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Schock 34 GP's design strongly emphasizes sailing performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.9, the boat is poised to perform well in lighter air conditions, indicating a responsive and relatively easily driven hull. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.38, suggests a decent level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind, though perhaps not being exceptionally stiff compared to some heavily ballasted cruisers. A displacement to length ratio of roughly 161.3 categorizes it as a relatively light, performance-oriented vessel for its size, aligning with its racing pedigree.

Further contributing to its performance characteristics are its deep fin keel and spade rudder, which are hallmarks of designs optimized for speed, maneuverability, and good upwind performance. The vessel boasts a theoretical hull speed of 7.17 knots, indicating its potential for swift passage. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions for the GP model are limited due to its low production numbers, its design elements point towards a lively and agile performance on the racecourse, capable of competitive speeds and precise handling.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary designation as an International Offshore Rule (IOR) racer, the Schock 34 GP's interior accommodations would typically be more spartan and functional than those found on dedicated cruisers. The focus would have been on minimizing weight and providing essential facilities for racing crew, rather than extensive cruising comforts. The boat is equipped with a modest 20-gallon fresh water capacity, consistent with a vessel prioritized for racing rather than long-term liveaboard or extensive cruising. While detailed interior layouts are scarce due to the very limited production run, it can be inferred that the layout would prioritize efficient crew movement and sail handling over luxurious living spaces.