Sunbeam Gitana Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sunbeam Gitana is characterized by a high degree of inherent stability and a "safety-first" hull form. Unlike modern light-displacement designs that rely on wide beams and flat aft sections, the Gitana features a more traditional underwater profile, often found with a fin keel or a shallow-draft keel-bulb configuration to accommodate varying lake depths. According to retrospective accounts from the Sunbeam Yachts History, the yard’s early focus was on ensuring their vessels could handle the sudden, gusty winds typical of the Alps.

Under sail, the Gitana is described as a predictable and forgiving helm. Its displacement-to-length ratio suggests a boat that carries its momentum well through a chop, though it requires a decent breeze to truly come alive. It is not a "sprinter" in light airs, but it tracks exceptionally well, reducing the workload on the helm during longer passages. The rigging is typically a simple, robust masthead sloop, which facilitates easy handling for couples or even single-handed sailors. Owners frequently note that the boat feels "stiffer" than many of its French or American contemporaries of the same era, a result of the heavy hand-laid laminate used by Schöchl during this period.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its size, the Gitana offered a remarkably civilized interior that leveraged the Schöchl family’s carpentry roots. The layout typically features a classic four-berth configuration: a V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal settees in the main salon that double as bunks. Despite its modest beam, the clever use of light-colored woods and functional storage lockers creates an atmosphere of traditional maritime quality.

The "Gitana 80" variant is the most notable sibling in the lineage, representing an evolution of the original design with minor refinements to the deck mold and interior ergonomics to meet the aesthetic standards of the late 70s and early 80s. While some versions featured a more spartan "daysailer" feel, the majority were commissioned as "Kajütboot" (cabin boats) equipped with a small galley—usually a two-burner stove and a compact sink—and a chemical or marine head tucked beneath the forward cushions. The joinery remains a high point for the model; even 50 years later, many Gitanas retain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal due to the high-grade marine plywood and solid timber trim used during construction.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Sunbeam Gitana should approach the purchase with the understanding that these vessels are now nearly half a century old. While the hulls are overbuilt, several age-related areas require scrutiny:

1. Deck Core and Fittings: Like many boats of this era, the Gitana uses a sandwich construction for the deck. Over time, moisture can ingress through poorly bedded deck hardware (cleats, stanchion bases, or winches), leading to soft spots in the core. A thorough "tap test" with a plastic hammer is essential during inspection.
2. Window Seals: The original aluminum-framed or rubber-gasket windows are prone to leaking. If the interior wood shows dark staining or delamination below the ports, the seals likely need replacement or re-bedding.
3. Rudder Bearings: The Gitana’s spade or partial-skeg rudder can develop "slop" or play in the bearings. While not a structural failure, it can degrade the steering feel and lead to vibration while under motor.
4. Osmosis: While Schöchl used high-quality resins, any GRP boat from the 1970s that has spent its life permanently in the water should be checked for osmotic blistering. Many Gitanas kept on trailers or in fresh water may be largely unaffected, but a dry-dock inspection is mandatory.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Gitana benefit from the robust support of the Sunbeam Owners Club, which serves as a repository for technical manuals, rigging diagrams, and historical data. Because the shipyard is still active and managed by the same family in Mattsee, it is often possible to source technical advice or historical build information directly from the source, a rarity for boats of this vintage.

The Verdict

The Sunbeam Gitana is a "gentleman’s cruiser" from a bygone era, offering a level of build quality that far exceeds modern mass-produced boats of similar size. It is an ideal choice for a sailor who values traditional aesthetics, safety, and craftsmanship over raw racing speed.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-laid fiberglass and superior interior carpentry that stands the test of time.
• Seaworthiness: Highly stable and predictable handling, even in gusty conditions.
• Active Manufacturer: The shipyard is still in business, providing a sense of heritage and potential support.
• Trailerability: Its dimensions allow for relatively easy transport to different sailing grounds.

Cons:

• Weight: Heavier than modern equivalents, requiring more wind to reach hull speed.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 40-50 years of wear on systems and deck seals.
• Limited Headroom: As a 24-foot boat, standing headroom is limited for taller sailors.