The Next Big Thing in Sailboats Isn’t Big

A yacht design icon and a construction icon will take a midsize boat to Moore races in Moore places.

Moore Sailboats Inc., a new entity comprising sailboat builder Ron Moore, yachtsman and entrepreneur Blaine Rorick, and CFO Sam Willner, has announced the pending production of the all-new Alan Andrews-designed Moore 33.

Andrews’ name is synonymous with a multitude of record setters and race winners from ULDB sleds. They include the likes of Locomotion, It’s OK, Cheval, Medicine Man, Magnitude80 and Alchemy, modern TP52s, and last year’s 40-ft Newport to Cabo winner, Fast Exit. But he started his design career with a 30-footer and has since designed many midsize racers and cruisers.

The design skills of Andrews in combination with Moore’s renowned manufacturing expertise will deliver a mid-sized racer that exudes graceful lines and elegant style without compromising performance or speed. The trailerable — yes, trailerable — sloop will offer two configurations: one for distance racing with a four-person crew and another for buoy, day or coastal racing with a crew of seven. They plan to release hull numbers one and two in February 2021.

Earlier this year, Rorick met Andrews to see if a Moore 30 could be modified for offshore racing. (In 1989, that boat was so far ahead of its time, it baffled PHRF officials. They would not let it race.) By the end of the meeting, the concept for the Moore 33 was born.

“It’s going to be screaming fast, capable of hitting speeds in the 20-knot range; long-distance capable but just as competitive in buoy and class racing competitions,” said Rorick. The Moore 33 can be configured to meet US safety requirements for offshore racing with key features planned for one-design, PHRF and measurement-rule racing.

Andrews likened it to a production sports car with all the latest technology, with a strong but light hull created for maximum speed. In consideration of modern hull shapes (unlike earlier ULDBs that were long and lean), the Moore 33’s beamier design will increase power to carry sail and enhance planing. New sail technology in a square-top mainsail adds another dimension of innovation and mixing things up. Andrews said, “It’s a pretty cool boat; great for taking on long-distance or point-to-point races — then returning in the evening and trailering home.”

For ease of trailering, Andrews has designed a retractable keel. With a displacement of 3,750 pounds, the light boat should be launchable from most yacht club hoists.

Equally important to the concept is the appeal to an inclusive market of sailors — those new to the sport, those moving up, and those who want to downsize from a bigger boat confined to a slip without diminishing the intensity of competition. Reduced maintenance costs also add to the affordability and versatility of the boat in hopes of broadening its appeal beyond its good looks.

“The drawings are gorgeous!” said Moore. “The design and planning part is the most fun, but I’m looking forward to the construction: sculpting the molds, the interiors, keel and the rudder. This is one gorgeous piece of high-performance art.”

Moore is best known for his still-popular Moore 24, which launched 45 years ago. The active Moore 24 Class included 18 racing venues on its calendar this year.

While the Moore 24s sailed, the craftsman has spent the last 25 years on the fabrication of custom boats such as the Antrim 30+ trimaran, composite bridge fabrications, stealth powerboats for the US Navy, and R&D for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space. He has built astronomical/scientific enclosures and delivered them worldwide. Most recently, he has gained a working relationship with marine laboratories on the California Central Coast and the local Moss Landing fishing fleet.

“I’m so excited to build an assembly project from concept,” he said. Phase one of tooling, creating the mold, and initial fabrication will commence in September.

The second phase of tooling includes attaching the interior. The composite modules bond to the shell and are forged with aircraft-quality fiberglass lamination. Then Moore conducts the precision finishing. “It’s going to be a sexy Italian-inspired hot rod!” he said. But he also believes it will appeal to a lot of boat buyers. “It’s a solid proposal; great quality for the price point.”

The secret to developing his reputation is that extra 10% that the independent manufacturer puts into every project. “It’s the artist’s passion — high-quality work takes more time,” he said. Today’s modern, beautiful composite construction, spray gel overcoating, new fabrics and improved resins keep Moore engaged. His creative RPMs rev up for taking on new projects.

The initial plan is to manufacture one boat per month. When ramped up, the Watsonville facility will be capable of producing one boat a week.

Andrews’ first commission was a 30-ft cruising boat in 1982 that won its class and the MORC Internationals that year. He’s also responsible for two versions of the fleet that Balboa Yacht Club uses in their Governor’s Cup youth match-racing regatta.

After the first meeting, Andrews said Rorick’s directives were to design the smallest boat that could competitively race to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo or Hawaii, with reasonable configurations and options so that it would be fun, fast and easy to sail. “I take reasonable with a grain of salt,” he said.

After the boat rolls off the line in February, Rorick’s goal is to have it ready for the 2021 race and boat show season, complete with a competitive team of sailors.

Moore Sailboats will announce additional specifications shortly. The company will take deposits for pre-production orders starting on August 30. For more info, contact Blaine Rorick, president of Moore Sailboats, Inc., at (909) 754-4487 or [email protected].