Standfast 33 Information, Review, Specs

The inception of the Standfast 33 in 1977 marked a continuation of Frans Maas's vision to produce high-performance yachts with meticulous craftsmanship. Frans Maas, who had begun his career as a yacht designer in the 1950s, founded Standfast Yachts in 1970 with the express purpose of bringing his elegant and exacting designs to life in a dedicated facility., 11] The shipyard quickly gained a reputation for its robust fiberglass construction, which allowed for precise replication of Maas's designs while ensuring structural integrity and longevity.

Maas's design philosophy for Standfast yachts emphasized blending performance with comfort and safety, aiming to create vessels known as "highest quality sailing yachts" and "race winners." The Standfast 33, specifically, is noted for a "slightly more spacy hull design," suggesting an intentional focus on interior volume alongside its sailing prowess. Built primarily from fiberglass, the Standfast 33 reflected the builder's commitment to durability and a classic aesthetic. While production details for the Standfast 33 indicate its debut in 1977, no significant variations such as MkI or MkII versions are commonly noted in its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Standfast 33, with a length overall of just under 33 feet and a waterline length of 25.1 feet, is designed as a masthead sloop with a fin keel and spade rudder, indicative of a performance-oriented cruiser. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.5 suggests a boat with good all-around performance, capable of moving well in a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in lighter airs or overpowered in heavy winds. The Ballast to Displacement ratio, around 0.38, indicates a decent level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze and offer a comfortable motion offshore.

With a Displacement to Length ratio approaching 300, the Standfast 33 falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This weight class generally contributes to a solid, stable feel in a seaway, offering a comfortable ride rather than a light, skittish one. The hull speed is calculated at 6.71 knots, providing a respectable cruising speed. Owners and reviewers often find that the Standfast 33 strikes a commendable balance between comfort and maneuverability, living up to its designer's reputation for excellent sailing characteristics. Its moderate draft of approximately 5.9 feet also provides versatility for various sailing environments.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Standfast 33's interior layout is designed to maximize living space within its nearly 33-foot length. The interior typically features a functional arrangement, standard for yachts of its era, often including a V-berth forward, a saloon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment. The use of high-quality materials, such as mahogany for interior trim, known for its water-repellent and decay-resistant properties, would have been a hallmark of Standfast Yachts' meticulous craftsmanship, contributing to a warm and durable finish. Owners have noted elements like blue upholstery and curtains, and features such as an oven and hot air heating system in some models, enhancing comfort for extended cruising. The design's "slightly more spacy hull" could translate to more comfortable interior volume than might be expected for its size.