Wauquiez 33 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Wauquiez 33, or Gladiateur 33, commenced in 1973, reflecting Wauquiez's early dedication to crafting small yet robust sailing vessels. The design was penned by Donald Pye of Holman & Pye, a firm renowned for creating well-built classics, easily handled passage makers, and capable offshore cruisers. The Gladiateur 33 was noted for its "beautiful lines" and a "slightly more spacy hull design" for its era, suggesting a focus on both aesthetics and interior volume. True to Wauquiez's manufacturing ethos of the time, the Gladiateur 33 featured solid fiberglass hulls and decks, underscoring its robust and durable construction. This commitment to quality aimed to provide owners with an enduring and reliable bluewater vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wauquiez 33 exhibits sailing characteristics indicative of its design as a capable and stable cruiser. With a reported Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17, she is considered a moderate performer, capable of good all-around performance without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in stronger winds. Her high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.436 (43.6%) points to significant stiffness, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable, stable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 243 further classifies her as a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing her solid build and seaworthiness over light-displacement speed.

Anecdotal evidence from owners and reviews consistently praises the Gladiateur 33 for its "very good sailing characteristics" and "well performing and seaworthy design." She is described as an "easily handled passage maker, a fast cruiser, and a good sea boat," capable of being sailed in a "wide range of conditions." These attributes reinforce her reputation as a reliable and confidence-inspiring vessel for serious cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior are limited in the provided data, the Wauquiez 33 is known to offer a functional and comfortable layout, typical of quality cruisers of its era. The interior generally features a salon with an L-shaped galley and a dedicated navigation table. The design includes a forecabin and a quarter berth positioned aft on the port side, providing practical sleeping arrangements. Headroom in the salon is approximately 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches), which contributes to a comfortable living space below deck. Although specific details on materials and finish quality are not consistently available, Wauquiez's broader reputation for "refined interiors" and the use of "high-grade materials" suggests a durable and well-appointed living environment, consistent with their focus on luxury bluewater sailboats.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Wauquiez Gladiateur 33 frequently express satisfaction with the boat's solid construction and seaworthy nature. Online forums and owner groups, including a Yahoo owners group primarily based in the US, indicate a strong community around these vessels, with some even having crossed oceans. The boat's ability to handle a wide range of conditions and its reputation as an "easily handled passage maker" are commonly highlighted strengths. While individual maintenance issues may arise on any vessel of its age, a review of owner discussions does not reveal any single, widely reported recurring design flaw or common problem specific to the Gladiateur 33 model, which speaks to its robust initial build quality.