About the GEM 550 Trailable Yacht
The GEM was designed and developed to meet the need for a reasonably priced racing oriented family weekender, and to provide performance at a level that falls midway between the popular dinghy classes and the smallest offshore racing yachts.
Backgound
The GEM 550 Trailer Sailer is a Rob Humphreys European Micro Tonner design that has found a new life in Australia as a popular T/S in several States and Canberra ACT.
The GEM 550 was developed by a team of ocean racers under the direction of prolific UK designer Rob Humphreys for the European Micro-Tonner class in the late 1970's. The GEM was a successful campaigner in English Channel races in Britain and France, winning the European Micro Tonner Cup - and achieved IOR status.
Its hull lines are incredibly similar to the go-fast ocean racers of the 90s - with plumb bow, extreme beam at 2.41m (8 feet) for its overall 5.5m (18.0 feet) length, wide, dished-like belly and flat after section, with unobtrusive sleek upper cabin lines. The drop dagger steel keel gives it keelboat performance.
Local research shows that purchasers are attracted by this modern, racy appearance - and are then amazed to find the design is over 20 years old. It is a proven design, but it costs much less than current trendy boats with a similar sports style.
Adelaide professional boat builder John Stockton, of Central Boating Services, sailed the GEM in the UK in the 80s and later took charge of the master moulds for production in Australia. He has met the designer and keeps in contact for regular updates.
Construction
The GEM is constructed in hand-laid fibreglass cloth with a stiff central balsa core (see photos left), producing a hull and deck with a low all-up floating weight of 550 kg that makes for easy towing with a standard four cylinder car. This weight advantage is a serious requirement for the majority of GEM buyers who refuse to spend extra cash on a larger vehicle or 4 wheel drive to tow their yacht.
The Standard rig is the sports specification with a 7.8 metre Spunspar tapered mast, running a single backstay. Sails are mostly from Ray Brown Sails of Adelaide. A 180kg cast iron foil drop centreboard gives the GEM a proven self righting capacity. It is hoisted and lowered with a clutch winch.
Stockton and his clients believe it is the roomiest 18 footer in production and several owners use them regularly for extended in-shore or freshwater lake cruising trips. The hull construction method creates a large dish-shaped interior shell with no strengthening posts or dividers.
Two interior furniture moulds are available - an open plan with shallow vee-berth for sports sailing and a cruising version with a higher vee berth suitable for hiding away the porta-potti and battery.
A version with moulded sink is also available.
There is a great deal of interior storage space at the stern, ahead of a large across the stern water tight bulkhead.
Race success
Results for the GEM include several wins and top three placings at the Milang to Goolwa (and the reverse race Lake Alexandrina Classic), top placings in the Marlay Point Overnighter and a range of series victories at Goolwa, Eden and Canberra.
A group of GEM 550s have competed on a regular basis in the Canberra Yacht Clubs (CYC) summer championship, summer pointscore races, winter series, NSW Trailable Yacht Association Events, as well as the Healthpact Masters Games held in Canberra in 1997 and 2003. These boats are owned by sailors who have upgraded from boats such as the Red Jacket, Careel 18, Hartley TS16 or dinghies and have achieved remarkable racing success. They are also competing against boats such as Elliott 7, Sonata Ultra, Castle 650 and do remarkably well in most conditions.
The GEM 550 is a boat which ordinary sailors can sail and achieve good results.
The boat also appeals to more skilled sailors. Two boats produced in late 1998 for skiff sailors (using latest technology lay-up techniques) were placed second outright in the Milang to Goolwa Lake Classic 99. They also won and second placed in the 1999 Goolwa to Milang Lake Alexandrina Classic race - each successful in their very first day on the water. The GEM was chosen by these two successful 14 and 16 foot skiffies as an economical way of introducing their families to the sport - while still maintaining a winning edge and race-face dignity. A genuine T/S .... with sports performance
Unlike other sports boats of the 5 to 6 metre size, the GEM officially fulfils the trailer sailer class equation with more than metre high headroom and proper sleeping areas/accommodation for three full sized (Aussie) adults or two adults and two/three smaller children. Often Canberra based Gem's can be seen cruising on the lakes in southern NSW and Gippsland.
Specifications
Basic specifications here. With steady sales, Stocktons Central Boating Services has produced over 45 GEMs that are being used from a surprise cruising GEM residing in Port Douglas, to outright race-around the buoys boats in Adelaide and Canberra.
What does a GEM 550 Cost?
Please contact the builder for the current price.
Standard Sail-Away Yacht includes: All rigging: modern tapered mast, and quality deck fittings. High quality main sail with one reefing point and jib, custom built, low-ride trailer with brakes.
Optional Extras: Safety fence, bow pulpit, staunchions, stern rail.
Outboard motor, spinnaker: choice of colours, with fittings and rigging.
Standard terms for ordering: one third of final quote with order; one third when moulding complete; balance when ready
Builder
John Stockton, Central Boating Services, Lonsdale, SA
(08) 838 45566
Mobile 0417 839 626
Please note: this site has no commercial connection with the builder, does not represent the builder and is for information purposes only. The authors do not accept any liability as a result of any person's actions resulting from information presented on this web site.
