SL 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the SL 33 can be traced to 2008, the same year SL Performance Race Boats GmbH was formally established by Ralph Schatz and Andreas Labek in Schorndorf, Germany. The company's vision from its inception was clear: to create the fastest sailing machines on the water, with the SL 33 being its inaugural and most iconic project. The core design philosophy revolved around achieving maximum speed and efficiency, pushing the boundaries of multihull performance.

A critical factor in the SL 33's success was the collaboration with the renowned naval architecture firm Morrelli & Melvin Design and Engineering, alongside the input of Labek, Ridley, and Sanderson, ensuring the incorporation of advanced hydrodynamics and aerodynamics., 8] The goal for the SL 33 project was singularly ambitious: to produce the "world's fastest 33-foot sailing boat" and capture trophies at all major open regattas worldwide.

During its production run, the SL 33 showcased significant design versatility and evolution. Initially designed to be sailed with either a traditional mast and soft sails, it also offered the notable option of a wing rig, providing adaptability for various racing conditions. Furthermore, the SL 33's development saw it transition into a fully foiling one-design, embracing the paradigm shift towards aerial sailing in high-performance multihulls. This commitment to innovation was underscored by its adoption by elite America's Cup teams like Team New Zealand (ETNZ), who acquired two SL 33s for training and development, utilizing them as prototypes in the lead-up to the AC72 foiling catamarans.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The SL 33 is engineered for extreme performance, a fact underscored by its construction details and remarkably light displacement. The hulls, mast, main boom, center tube, beams, daggerboards, rudders, and tillers are all meticulously built from solid carbon fibre Epoxy prepregs, cured under high pressure and temperature in an autoclave. The hulls themselves utilize a Nomex honeycomb core, further minimizing weight while maximizing stiffness. notes] With a reported displacement of just 1,598 pounds for a length overall of 41.34 feet, the SL 33 is an exceptionally lightweight vessel, designed for blistering speed and agility rather than cruising comforts.

Its design allows it to achieve a theoretical hull speed of 7.68 knots. However, the SL 33's actual performance, particularly in its foiling configuration, far exceeds conventional expectations, with the ability to reach speeds where chase boats equipped with 250-horsepower outboards struggle to keep pace. Owners and reviewers consistently describe its handling as highly responsive and direct, reflective of its pure racing pedigree. The boat's wide beam of 21.98 feet provides immense form stability, allowing it to convert apparent wind into incredible boat speed. It is built for competitive sailors familiar with the demands of high-performance one-design multihull racing, offering a thrilling and challenging sailing experience that pushes the limits of contemporary yacht design.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its singular focus on racing performance, the SL 33 offers virtually no dedicated interior accommodations or creature comforts. The design prioritizes lightweight construction and structural rigidity above all else, leaving minimal space for any significant living quarters. Details such as max_headroom_ft are not applicable or provided, as the internal volume is primarily utilized for structural components, control lines, and essential racing equipment. There are no typical V-berths, galleys, or enclosed heads found on traditional sailboats. The layout is strictly functional, designed to facilitate efficient crew movement and operation during high-speed racing, reflecting its status as a purebred grand prix catamaran.