1980 Tartan T33

Stepping below on this T33, you feel the layout was drawn by someone who actually sailed offshore. The secure U-shaped galley, deep sink, and gimballed stove make cooking underway practical, and that top-loading cold box keeps provisions solidly stowed on a heel. The long starboard settee is ideal for stretching out on passage, while the sea berth behind the port settee offers a proper off-watch bunk. Reverse-cycle heat and air mean you can chase shoulder seasons without hesitation. Up forward, the thick V‑berth cushions and carpeted hulls quiet the cabin and keep it warm at night, giving the boat a much “bigger” and cozier feel than her length suggests.

A Tartan 33 is a smart choice for these waters, where conditions can swing from light-air afternoons to punchy frontal passages. The moderate draft and well-balanced hull let you slip into snug anchorages yet track confidently in a sloppy chop. Her sailplan is easily managed short-handed, which suits local daysailing and impromptu evening runs, while the interior volume and smart storage reward longer coastal hops. Reverse-cycle climate control keeps the cabin comfortable through humid summers and chilly shoulder seasons. Add in a robust build and easily-serviced systems, and this T33 hits a sweet spot between responsive performance and forgiving manners for this region’s mixed cruising and club racing scene.