Great Barrier Express Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing a Great Barrier Express is often described as a visceral experience, more akin to an oversized high-performance dinghy than a traditional cruising yacht. The boat features a high aspect ratio rig and deep centerboards, which allow it to point significantly higher than many of its contemporary multihull peers. Because the boat is exceptionally light—typically weighing between 1,200kg and 1,500kg—it responds instantly to gusts. In flat water and a moderate breeze, the GBE can easily exceed 15 knots on a reach, and well-tuned racing versions have been clocked at over 20 knots.

The handling is precise but demands attention; the narrow hulls have limited reserve buoyancy in the bows compared to modern wave-piercing designs, making trim and weight distribution critical when pushing the boat hard downwind. According to technical overviews of Malcolm Tennant’s design philosophy, the GBE’s "dory" hull shape provides a clean release of water, reducing drag at high speeds but resulting in a "lively" motion in a chop. Owners often note that while the boat is sea-kindly for its size, it requires proactive reefing to manage the significant sail area-to-displacement ratio effectively.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Express" in the name refers to its speed, not its luxury. The interior of the GBE is strictly functional, confined entirely within the two narrow hulls. There is no bridge-deck cabin, which keeps the center of gravity low and the windage minimal. Each hull typically contains two single berths (one forward and one aft), providing a total of four sleeping spots. Headroom is limited to "sitting room" only, and moving through the hulls requires a degree of athleticism.

Variation in the interior is common because many GBEs were completed by owner-builders or customized for racing. Some versions feature a minimal galley with a single-burner stove and a small sink in one hull, with a chemical toilet tucked under a bunk in the other. Storage is sparse, usually consisting of netting or small lockers along the hull sides. For those seeking slightly more volume, Tennant later designed siblings like the Turissimo 9m and the Firefly 8.5m, which utilized the same performance DNA but offered varied hull shapes and rig configurations to suit different racing handicaps or cruising needs.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Great Barrier Express is a fixture in the history of the New Zealand Coastal Classic, one of the world’s great yacht races. For decades, GBEs have been the giant-killers of this race, often finishing ahead of much larger monohulls and modern sports boats. The boat's reputation for speed and affordability has made it a favorite subject for New Zealand nautical publications, which often cite the GBE as the entry point for many of the world's top multihull sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a GBE with the understanding that many are now several decades old and may have been campaigned hard.

Main Beam Integrity: The aluminum crossbeams and their attachment points to the hulls are under immense stress. Inspect the bulkheads at the beam landings for stress cracks or signs of movement.
Core Condition: Older cedar-strip or plywood GBEs are susceptible to freshwater rot, particularly around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the deck-to-hull joint. A moisture meter and "tap test" are essential.
Centerboard Trunks: Given the high speeds and lateral loads, the centerboard trunks can develop leaks or structural fatigue. Check for "play" in the boards and water ingress at the base of the trunks.
Rudder Gudgeons: The rudder boxes on GBEs often take a beating during high-speed reaching. Ensure the transom reinforcements and gudgeons are secure and free of corrosion or fatigue.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for this model is the New Zealand 8.5m Multihull Class Association, which maintains the class rules and organizes a robust racing calendar. This group provides a wealth of technical knowledge regarding rig upgrades and structural reinforcements. Locally, owners also congregate through the Multihull Yacht Club of Victoria (MYCV) in Australia, where several GBEs have been successfully campaigned in offshore events.

The Verdict

The Great Barrier Express remains one of the most cost-effective ways to access true high-performance multihull sailing. While it lacks the amenities of a modern cruising catamaran, its pedigree and speed make it an enduring classic.

Pros