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Sunwind 33
Designer: Tord Sundén  ·  Builder: Oy Nykra Ab (Fin)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Sunwind 33

Designed by renowned Swedish naval architect Tord Sundén and built by Finland's Oy Nykra Ab, this fractional sloop represents a brief but notable chapter in 1980s sailboat design. With only 14 hulls produced between 1983 and 1986, the Sunwind 33 has achieved something of a cult status among sailing enthusiasts who appreciate its thoughtful engineering and seaworthy characteristics. The boat's moderate displacement of 8,598 pounds, combined with 3,748 pounds of ballast, creates a stable platform well-suited for coastal cruising and light offshore work. Its fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling, while the fractional rig with 519 square feet of sail area provides good performance in varying wind conditions. The SA/Displacement ratio of 19.85 suggests spirited sailing ability without sacrificing comfort. Sundén's design philosophy emphasized seaworthiness over pure speed, evident in the boat's comfortable 19.19 comfort ratio and reasonable capsize screening value of 2.17. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, and the modest 18-horsepower auxiliary engine provides adequate power for maneuvering. While not a racing thoroughbred, the Sunwind 33 excels as a well-balanced cruiser for sailors seeking quality construction and proven offshore capability in a manageable size.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 32.91 ft / 10.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.89 ft / 7.89 m
Beam 11.12 ft / 3.39 m
Max Draft 6.14 ft / 1.87 m
Displacement 8,598.00 lb / 3,900 kg
Ballast 3,748.00 lb / 1,700 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 519.00 ft² / 48.22 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Tord Sundén
Builder OY Nykra AB (FIN)
First Built 1983
Last Built 1986
Number Built 14
Associations IOR 3/4 ton
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 19.85
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 43.59
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 221.18
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 19.19
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.17
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.82 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.76
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,028.69 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 19.86
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 37.73 ft / 11.50 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.99 ft / 3.35 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 41.34 ft / 12.60 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.09 ft / 4.60 m
SA Fore 207.33 ft² / 19.26 m²
SA Main 311.91 ft² / 28.98 m²
SA Total (100%) 519.24 ft² / 48.24 m²
Est. Forestay Length 39.30 ft / 11.98 m
Mast Height (DWL) 50.85 ft / 15.50 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD2002
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 18
Fuel Capacity 18 gals / 68 L
Water Capacity 53 gals / 201 L
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