S&S 34 specs

S&S 34 displacement

A bit of useful info - talking with Mike Finn (building the new boats), the new boat weighs 4,600kg (almost exactly 10,000lb) of which 2,600kg is keel. This is rigged and fitted with engine, galley, toilet, tanks etc, but a fairly simple internal layout - you could probably easily add 50kg of extra cabinetry, pumps and other equipment. The internal bulkheads and furniture (including floor) is vinylester foam sandwich so quite light, with timber laminated onto it where appropriate (looks very nice). The keel is attached slightly differently and has a stainless framework & bolts cast in - it is about 100kg heavier than previously.

By comparison, I was informed that the average weight previously was around 5,400kg (11,880lb).

As you might suspect, the new version is significantly quicker. It was trialled last weekend in its first IRC race, 45nm in relatively light conditions - won Div B on IRC by over 20 mins (out of a fleet of about 25), also beat most of the Div A boats too.

The engine is under the companionway steps (as far forward and down as possible). It simply takes up too much room over the keel, and it was felt that it would make the new boat more difficult to market, as the S&S 34 is relatively small internally and some extra space in the saloon is really useful. Since it is a Yanmar 22hp weighing only 120kg (shaft drive), it doesn't affect the overall weight distribution too much (it is only slightly higher and further from the CofG than if placed just aft of the mast). Batteries and tank repositioning have taken care of a fair bit of this, and the extra 100kg in the new keel is just a bonus.

The boat is very adequately powered with 21-22hp, easily achieved 6+1/2 knots on part throttle (with Gori 2 blade folding prop), as it slips through the water very easily. Yanmar felt to use their larger engine would be a waste.

Hope the above info is of help, esp to Morning Bird re the weights.

 

S&s 34

I have now been sailing Morning Bird for 8 or so months and she is a fast and beautifully balanced yacht. On the wind she will maintain her course without any interference from the helmsman. Off the wind she needs to be helmed but is comfortable and stable.
A very stiff boat she can carry a full main and No1 headsail up to 20 or so kts, a reef and No2 is good for 30 or so kts. A No3 and a reef has been very comfortable around 35kts. I haven't put a 2nd reef in yet. I have had her moving at over 7.0kts regularly, she does over 5.0kts in light airs.
A slippery hull form allows the 20hp engine with 2 blade folding gori prop to push her along at 6.5kts at 3000rpm, 5.8 to 6.0 kts at a comfortable 2600rpm (provided the hull and prop are clean).
I still have to finish preparing her for longer cruises, money being the culprit, but she has shown that she is a go anywhere yacht.

 

I have discovered from the S&S Association in WA that Morning Bird is probably the last S&S34 made by Swarbricks in the 80s (see the discussion at http://www.ss34.org/). She is definitely a standard Mk1 mast, keel and rudder. She sails beautifully.

 

News from Yachting Western Australia:

Disabled WA Sailor Breaks World Record

Disabled sailors are admired for their courage and determination but none more so than quadriplegic sailor, Jamie Dunross OAM, Sydney Paralympics Gold Medalist.

Jamie recently literally smashed the solo unassisted Class C quadriplegic world record held by English sailor Hilary Lister who sailed 28 nautical miles across the English Channel two years ago.

Immediately prior to the record challenge dignitaries, sponsors, naval officers, family and friends looked on as Karen Sammels, wife of Rockingham Mayor, Barry Sammels cracked the champagne officially naming Jamie’s new yacht, an S&S34, Spirit of Rockingham. The yacht, a long term project built by Swarbricks of Henderson has been specifically built to cater to Jamie’s quadriplegia resulting from a mining accident in 1988.

Legendary sailor, friend and mentor Jon Saunders then tracked Jamie sailing over a 24 hour period alone and unassisted from Garden Island’s HMAS Stirling as he sailed 129 nautical miles into the Indian Ocean and into the records.

Not only was a new record set, but a challenge conquered in the first of many preparatory to his bid for another world record – a solo unassisted world circumnavigation!