Designed by Anton Miglitsch and built by Sunbeam/Schöchl from 1973 to 1984, this Austrian-built 28-footer represents thoughtful European design principles applied to coastal cruising. With only 78 hulls produced during its eleven-year production run, the Gitana occupies a unique niche among fin-keel cruisers of the 1970s and early 1980s. The boat's moderate displacement of 5,512 pounds and substantial ballast ratio create a stable platform well-suited for coastal cruising and short offshore passages. Her fin keel with rudder-on-skeg configuration provides good directional stability while maintaining reasonable performance under sail. The masthead sloop rig delivers manageable sail handling for a small crew, with 345 square feet of working sail area providing adequate power without being overwhelming. Notable design characteristics include conservative proportions that prioritize seaworthiness over outright speed. The comfort ratio of 17.73 suggests a motion that favors stability over quick response to seas, making her suitable for extended cruising. Her capsize screening value of 2.01 falls within acceptable parameters for coastal and near-offshore work. With a hull speed of 6.78 knots, the Gitana offers respectable performance for weekend cruising and coastal exploration, appealing to sailors who value European craftsmanship and proven seakeeping abilities.
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What is the Gitana's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Gitana has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.74. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Gitana's comfort ratio?
The Gitana has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 17.73. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Gitana safe for offshore sailing?
The Gitana has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.01. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Gitana?
The theoretical hull speed of the Gitana is 6.78 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Gitana weigh?
The Gitana has a displacement of 5,512.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 27.89 ft.
Who designed the Gitana?
The Gitana was designed by Anton Miglitsch, first built in 1973.