USED CLASSIC BOAT | 5 cult vessels for cruising and racing (< 10 m)

The landscape relating to Classic Bo ats-that is, production boats over 25 years old and launched since 1967-is a vast and ever-expanding one, consisting of hulls of all shapes and sizes and, perhaps, not as easily “navigable” as one would often like. In light of this, in addition to our sections on Historic Classic Boats and Your Classic Boats, we have created a series of articles, aimed, yard by yard, or intended use by intended use, at exploring some exceptional hulls, projects that are fundamental to the evolution of boating. Following on the heels of the previous 30 articles (which you will find at the bottom of this one), it is now the turn of 5 exceptional vessels, undisputed both for their prowess between the buoys (be they inshore or offshore) and for their versatility as small cruisers. Here, then, are 5 cult vessels that, each in their own way, will satisfy both your racing and vacationing disposition.

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5 cult vessels for cruising and racing from 9.1 to 9.9 meters

Vallicelli, J&J, Finot-Conq and Jeppesen. All are signatures of excellence and that, above all, have been more distinguished than ever on the double front, cruising and racing. If we generally think, however, of the big hull logos, both by name and size, we must not forget the little goodies, the hulls, either debut, or smaller. The hulls for many, if not all. This is where, on closer inspection, today’s 5 pearls find their place, five vessels (< 10m) that, by conception or evolution, lend themselves to greatness either as hulls for small cruising or as exceptional boats with which to have fun among the buoys. And not necessarily just inshore….

COMET 333

specifications: Comar; 9.13 x 3.15 m; 1988; Andrea Vallicelli

It is the late 1980s and the Vallicelli studio is already part of the Pantheon of world shipbuilding. Portfolios already include such great masterpieces as Brava and Azzurra. It is in this context that Comar commissions a small 3/4 Tonner. The year is 1988 and the legendary Comet 333 is born, a blockbuster. It would prove to be a hull born to race, and one that knows how to race, despite the fact that small cruiser furnishings were not denied on board. Not for nothing, they also immediately made a special version of it, specially adapted for the first edition of the 1989 Giro d’Italia Sailing Tour. If you are looking for a mignon cruiser-racer, vintage and to have fun with without too much stress, don’t underestimate it.

• Learn about the dedicated card and its value here

ZIGGURAT 916 & 995

specifications: CPR; 9.16 x 3.02 m (9.95 x 3.30 ft); 1976 (1981); Andrea Vallicelli

In 1976 the IOR depopulated, and three young designers and friends-Andrea Vallicelli, Vittorio Mariani, and Nicola Sironi-designed a hull destined to become an icon of Italian sailing, and beyond. It will also be the launching pad for one of Italy’s greatest studios. It is the small Half-Tonner Ziggurat, immediately performing and emblematic. CPR grasps its design goodness and starts the series. Thus was born the Ziggurat 916, a small cruiser-racer that doesn’t miss a thing: it’s comfortable (as long as you’re not 6’3″) and runs like a charm. In 1981 came the ‘big’ version: it’s the 995, basically, u n 916 pantographed to the 10m limit. Equally a homegrown classic. Both, if you like the 80s IOR vibe, are absolutely not to be underestimated. And they are pieces of history.

• Learn about the dedicated card and the value of 916 here
• Learn about the dedicated card and the value of 995 here

FIRST 31.7

specifications: Beneteau; 9.61 x 3.23 m; 1998; Finot-Conq

With the First 31.7, one faces a small masterpiece. It is certainly not the most aesthetically brilliant hull to have come out of the French giant, but it runs like a charm, as well as being comfortable and complete. Not for nothing do you see hundreds of them. Heir to the First 310 and Figaro – of which it mirrors the water lines, drift bulb and large aft wetted area – the First 31.7 was part of the range restyling of the late 1990s and is, essentially, a small bolide, although it does not disdain cruising, even for 4. But the temperament is racing is her forte, and you will not fail to have seen her in regattas. Not for nothing, despite its constant 20-30 knots, Giraglia 2024 saw a First 31.7 earn 2nd place in IRC2 in the Saint-Tropez – Genoa…

• Learn about the dedicated card and its value here

X-99

specifications: X-Yachts; 9.96 x 2.95 m; 1985; Niels Jeppesen

With the X-99 we tackle one of the many masterpieces of the brilliant Niels Jeppesen. The year is 1985, and, looking for a big sister for the X-79, the 99, a rare gem, is born. Sold in 100 units before production even started, it will reach the 605 mark, becoming, in addition, the first X to be recognized by ISAF as a class in its own right. In short, it is a sacred monster, a little outlier that is fast, fun and competitive like few other hulls.

• Learn about the dedicated card and its value here

ELAN 333

specifications: Elan Yachts; 9.98 x 3.46 m; 1999; Humphreys

Signed by Humphreys, fine lines and maximum contained beam. Fractional shaft and quartered crosses. The Elan 333 is the balanced answer to the turn-of-the-century 10-meter, a balanced marriage of performance and performance. It is the hull with which Elan goes in search of compromise, offering a balanced answer to the quest of those who, in small volumes, wish to have both cruise and a ‘toy’ for racing. The answer is definitely found. A hull, in short, not to be underestimated.

• Learn about the dedicated card and its value here

Don’t miss previous articles:

• USED Classic Boat. ALPA ‘s top five boats from 9.5 to 12.6 m
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  BALTIC ‘s top five boats from 11.8 to 15.2 m
• USED Classic Boat. The five best BARBERIS boats from 7 to 12.5 m
• USED Classic Boat. BAVARIA ‘s five best boats from 9.9 to 13.4 meters
• USED Classic Boat. BENETEAU ‘s five best boats (First) from 9.6 to 15.6 meters
• USED Classic Boat. BENETEAU ‘s five best boats (Oceanis) from 9.8 to 13.5 meters
• USED Classic Boat. COMAR ‘s five best boats (Comet) from 9 to 14 meters
• USED Classic Boat. The five best boats from DUFOUR 9 to 12.8 meters
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• USED Classic Boat. FARR ‘s top five boats from 7.5 to 12.4 meters
• USED Classic Boat. The five best boats from the PARDO Dockyard (10- 19 m).
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• USED Classic Boat. 5 of the best Camper & Nicholson signature boats (9-12 m)
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• USED CLASSIC BOAT | 5 little bolides for the racer in you (6.5 – 9.5 m)

USATO CLASSIC BOAT |  5 piccoli bolidi per il regatante che è in te (6.5 – 9.5 m)