Gitana Information, Review, Specs

The Gitana emerged from the Schöchl Yachtbau shipyard during a period when the company was transitioning and expanding its yacht construction, formalizing its boatbuilding operations in 1957 after a long history in carpentry dating back to 1838. The company's foundational commitment to craftsmanship and high-quality wood processing naturally influenced its early yacht construction. By the 1970s, as the Sunbeam brand gained traction, this ethos translated into fiberglass construction that maintained a high standard of finish.

The Gitana, with a length overall of nearly 28 feet (27.89 ft) and a waterline length of 25.59 feet, was one of the early models that showcased Sunbeam's capabilities in producing solid, well-designed cruisers. Designer Anton de Dood Miglitsch, known for his work on IOR yachts and an understanding of traditional boat building, brought a practical yet refined approach to the Gitana's lines. The boat was primarily offered with a fin keel, providing a maximum draft of 4.53 feet, enhancing its upwind performance and stability. Notably, a keel/centerboard version was also available, featuring a shallower minimum draft of 1.8 feet with the board up, and a deeper draft of 4.1 feet (1.25m) when fully extended, offering greater versatility for exploring shallow anchorages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While specific performance reviews for the Sunbeam Gitana are not widely available, its design characteristics and the builder's reputation suggest a solid and predictable sailing experience. The Gitana features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a combination typically indicative of good directional stability and reasonable maneuverability. As a masthead sloop, it carries a reported sail area of 345 square feet, which, when coupled with its displacement of 5512 lbs, would likely provide a balanced and manageable sail plan suitable for a range of wind conditions. Sunbeam Yachts generally emphasizes "comfortable sailing experience," "safety and comfort" in their designs, making their boats appealing to families, couples, and single-handed sailors. The Gitana, as an early embodiment of this philosophy, would be expected to offer a forgiving motion in a seaway and dependable handling, aligning with Sunbeam's reputation for producing capable family cruisers.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and finishes of the Sunbeam Gitana is scarce in readily available public resources. However, given its length overall of just under 28 feet and a beam of 8.86 feet, the interior would have been designed to maximize the available space for a compact cruising vessel of its era. Typically, boats of this size from the 1970s and 80s would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a small galley area, and a basic enclosed head. Storage would likely consist of lockers beneath berths and shelves along the hull sides. Sunbeam Yachts are known for their high-quality construction and finishes, suggesting that even in smaller models like the Gitana, the interior would have featured robust materials and thoughtful, if compact, arrangements, prioritizing functionality and durability for comfortable weekend or short-term cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Direct owner reviews and forum discussions specifically dedicated to the Sunbeam Gitana are limited in English-language online resources. This is not uncommon for boats of its age and production volume. However, owners of Sunbeam yachts generally praise the brand for its "solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway" and "beautiful construction and exquisite interior finishes." While these sentiments often refer to later, larger models, they reflect the overarching quality standards upheld by Schöchl Yachtbau. It is reasonable to infer that Gitana owners would appreciate the boat's sturdy build, reliability, and the traditional craftsmanship that went into its design and construction, aligning with the "unwavering focus on quality, design, and service" that has defined Sunbeam Yachts throughout its history.