Mach Schnell, which is German for “Make Speed”, is a proven platform from the Morelli & Melvin design studios. These first generation Gunboat hulls built in South Africa have been the preiminent multi-hulls whether competing in distance racing, around the buoys, or just cruising the islands in the Bahamas & Caribbean. The Gunboat platform since inception has revolutionized multi-hull sailing by producing light-weight innovative and efficient boats to cruise or race extensively. Mach Schnell, in particular, has continued to evolve and adapt in racing and cruising circles, she continues to push the envelope and presents a turn key opportunity to conduct some performance sailing. Mach Schnell was the fourth hull of a concept to build a cruising boat based upon race technology. A multi-hull that could both sail & cruise in luxury. Mach Schnell is to multi-hull sailing as Windward Passage was to Maxi-boat sailing.
Specifications
Make: Gunboat
Model: Gunboat 62
Built: Jazz Marine - South Africa
Launched: 2005
LOA: 62.7 ft/19.14m
BOA: 28.4 ft/8.656 m
Hull Material: Carbon, Kevlar & E Glass
Mast Length: 28 m
Overall Mast Draft: 31.5 m
Mast Manufacturer: Southern Spars
Displacement Race Trim: 15,120 kg
Draft (Min.): 1.25 m
Draft (Max): 3.65 m
Sail Wardrobe: North Sails
Engines: Yanmar 4JH80
Batteries: Mastervolt
Electrical: Czone
Windows: Procurve glass windows
Interior Floor: Custom Veneered teak planking
Designer: Morelli & Melvin
Main Sail Race: 2020 3DI Ocean 700 155.14 sqm
Mainsail Delivery: 2020 North Ultrax Norlam 144 sqm
J2: 2019 North 3DI Endurance 760 72 sqm
JIB Top Reachers: 2019 North 3DI Endurance 760 73 sqm
R1: Masthead Cuban
R3 Frac Reacher: 2019 3DI Endurance 760 178.21
A2: 2019 Asymetric Maxikote Mk 150P (1.82 oz)398.61 sqm
A2: 2017 Top Down
A6: 2016
Staysail: 2018
Storm JIB: Furling 2012
Paint, Top Sides: Awlgrip Kingston Grey with vinyl graphics (New 2020)
Paint, Decks: Snow White Non-skid (New 2019)
Anti-Foul: Petite Trinidad Black (New 2023)
Appendages: Underwater custom Orange Vivid with Grey Durapox (New December 2023)
Overview
Jazz Marine in South Africa manufactured the first four Gunboats between 2000 and 2004. Launched as Icon and subsequently Elvis, Mach Schnell is the last hull produced in the series. Under Elvis ownership, a new Southern Spars mast was commissioned increasing the height by 6 meters up to 28 meters. This has become the standard for high performance production multi hulls. The boat also went through a performance optimization period where they “de-bugged” the boat eliminating some inefficiencies experienced in racing thereby making the boat bullet proof. This performance optimization and high investment philosophy has continued through the current ownership and the boat continues to excel on the race course.
Updates
In the summer of 2019, every electrical wire was removed and replaced with all aircraft-grade wiring. New Czone, hull paint, deck paint, under waterline removed by sandblasting, filled & faired, cut out and reinforced pit deck, stiffened compression post. (Deck reinforcement stiffened to be future-proofed to accept Harken 1111’s if ever required)
Layout
Aft
Large aft cockpit with daybed, outdoor dining area and centerline seating and dining table with leaf to seat 8 people
Saloon
U-shaped galley to starboard with (2) seating/dining areas and nav station port forward
Forward
Starboard hull forward: Owner cabin starboard midships with a large ensuite head
Starboard hull aft: (2) Large twin bunks with an ensuite head aft
Port hull forward: Large queen berth with (2) bunks forward with day head aft
Port hull aft: (2) Twins with ensuite
Cockpit
Stepping onto the boat is made easy with custom cut-away transom sugar scoops.
The yacht’s spacious aft cockpit is a versatile outdoor living area and offshore race sail storage area. It features an oversized daybed that incorporates deep storage compartments below.
In the