Hi Cammd,
The GTE is a cruiser racer modelled on Pogo's first Class 40 hull form, the S1. The 12.50 is the cruiser racer modelled on Pogo's 2nd iteration, the S2. I had the 12.50, but I did get to go for a sail on a GTE in Brittany.The 2010 S2 was a natural evolution from the S1, mainly by pushing right up to the boundaries of the Class 40 rules. Beam grew to 4.5m (from 4.25) length went from 12.2m to 12.5, more aggressive chine, fuller bow sections, etc etc.
The things I noticed.....
The GTE had a carbon fibre boom, spreaders and mast, the 12.50 had a cf mast but alloy spreaders and boom. The GTE had a lighter keel but ran water ballast, the 12.50 made up for it with a heavier keel and more righting moment (wider beam). The GTE has running backstays, the 12.50 had no backstay/s at all (optional).
The GTE gets more water over the deck compared to the 12.50, but no worse that any other boat from this era. Runners make short handed a bit more challenging but everything is within easy reach. Goes to windward like a Class 40 (the sheeting angle on the headsail is approx 20 degrees) so you get pantsed if you're pinching. Drop below 45 TWA and it'll change gears and just go. Run barber haulers on the headsail sheet to narrow the slot and improve pinching.
Stupid amount of space below. I liked the layout below, it was comfy when you're off watch, unlike the bare bones racing iterations. I like the race-style nav table situated at the bottom of the stairs. Watertight bulkhead front and rear. "Unsinkable" (foam filled chambers). Will plane in 14kn TWS. You are buying a ocean going, first generation Class 40 racing hull with a cruiser fitout. The 3mtr draft was rock solid stable, awesome for racing, even in Moreton Bay (I had the same draft). Sucks for shallow anchorages (hence why I went for the swing keel, not an option on the GTE). Water ballast means you won't win a tacking duel, but you don't need 6 bodies on the rail either.
I thnk the price is good. A similar era First 40/7 is much dearer, and the sailing manners of the GTE are soooo much more lively/fun. A first 40.7 might beat you on windward leewards and have big fat settees, but they're just boring to sail by comparison. I noticed the GTE has new 3DI mainsail and heady from 2023 (good choice) so full marks for performance and durability. The earlier ones are hydranet which I also ran, they hold their shape well despite, in my case, an awful lot of abuse.
There is a lot to like. At 60TWA or lower, they are fully lit up, so ignore the usual rubbish you hear about Class 40's don't go to windward. You will feel the wetted surface (wide beam) below 10 knots, when pinching or when fighting out of a surf break in light airs. But so easy to sail, when you are planing along single handed with your feet up and the kids flaffing about the cockpit, you won't care a hoot.
If I was really into pickle dishes, I'd buy a First 40.7 and be happy with being bored and using the rating to get on the podium. Or get a Farr 40 and be wet, tired and miserable but exhilarated and on the podium.
Would I buy one to race IRC and expect to clean up on trophies? NO. Would I buy one for the sheer pleasure of sailing and confidence offshore? Absolutely.
Thing to look for: I'd have a rigger check out all is ok with the mast, CF is not cheap.
Cheers!
SB
