Sailing Performance & Handling
The Medalist 33 Mk I is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, featuring a full keel with a cutaway forefoot and a bronze centerboard. With a Displacement/Length ratio typically hovering around 330, the boat is not a light-air speedster but excels when the breeze freshens. The centerboard design allows for a relatively shallow draft of approximately 3 feet 10 inches with the board up, facilitating gunkholing and coastal exploration, while extending to nearly 7 feet for upwind performance.
According to historical design archives from Tripp Design, Bill Tripp’s hulls were known for their "power to carry sail," and the Medalist is no exception. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well due to the long keel, though the high wetted surface area can make it sluggish in stays during light air. The helm is typically described as balanced, provided the sail plan is reefed early to manage the heavy displacement. While the Mk I was originally stayed for a modest sail area, some owners have retrofitted taller rigs to improve performance in the light-air conditions common on the US East Coast.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite the "Mk I" designation’s focus on a shorter cabin trunk, the interior is a showcase of LeComte’s heritage in fine cabinetry. The yard utilized high-grade African mahogany and teak, finished to a standard rarely seen in contemporary production boats. The layout is a traditional four-to-six berth arrangement: a V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker, a main salon with settee berths, and a compact galley near the companionway.
The most significant variation is the Medalist 33 Mk II, which extended the cabin house forward to provide more headroom and a more spacious feel in the forward quarters. Some Mk II and Mk III versions also incorporated a taller "Hood" rig, named for designer Ted Hood, which improved the Sail Area/Displacement ratio. While the Mk I feels more like a classic day-sailer or "weekend" yacht due to its smaller interior volume, the Mk II was aimed squarely at the burgeoning family cruising market.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Purchasing a Medalist 33 Mk I requires a keen eye for 1960s-era construction nuances. Prospective buyers should focus on the following high-signal areas:
- Centerboard Trunk and Pin: The bronze centerboard and its associated lifting cable and pivot pin are critical. Corrosion in the trunk or a seized pin can be an expensive, labor-intensive repair.
- Deck Core Integrity: While LeComte hulls were solid fiberglass, the decks often utilized a balsa or early foam core. Inspect for "spongy" spots, particularly around stanchion bases and the mast step, which may indicate water ingress and delamination.
- Original Engine Replacements: Many Mk I models were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many buyers prefer a modern diesel repower for safety and range.
- Chainplates and Rigging: The original stainless steel chainplates are now over 60 years old. Given the stresses of a heavy-displacement hull, a thorough ultrasonic test or replacement is highly recommended.
Community & Resources
The legacy of these Dutch-built classics is preserved primarily through the LeComte Owners Group, a long-standing network of enthusiasts who maintain technical archives and hull registries. While the builder closed in 1994, technical support for the Bill Tripp design elements can sometimes be sourced through the wider Tripp design community.
The Verdict
The LeComte Medalist 33 Mk I is a "gentleman’s yacht" that offers a bridge between the wooden era and the fiberglass revolution. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes aesthetic beauty and build quality over modern "condo-maran" interior volume.
Pros:
- Exquisite Dutch joinery and high-quality fiberglass layup.
- Versatile draft thanks to the centerboard configuration.
- Timeless Bill Tripp aesthetics that turn heads in any harbor.
- Exceptional heavy-weather stability and tracking.
Cons:
- Limited interior headroom and volume compared to the Mk II or modern 33-footers.
- High maintenance requirements for the extensive exterior teak.
- Heavy displacement makes it less competitive in light-air racing.
- Potential for significant "hidden" costs in centerboard and deck core repairs.
