Neil Gilbert’s Passion Project – The G10
Dec 13, 2023
Growing up at Royal Hamilton YC, Neil Gilbert recalls that he couldn’t wait to rush out of sailing school and get out on the bay with his father aboard their Viking 22. That Cuthbertson-designed cuddy and the days day sailing during which his father explained sailing from the fundamental laws of physics to the tweaking secrets of going fast were the inspiration for Neil’s newly designed G10.
From RHYC, armed with their father’s lessons, the Neil and his brothers Ralph and Cam went on to win the 1981 Shark Worlds then Neil went full force into the world of marine design as an apprentice boat builder working for the custom yacht division at C&C. His innate feel for design, coupled with a hands-on approach to boat building, allowed him to quickly ascend to a senior design position at the C&C Design Group and later to Doral Boats and Campion Marine.
Although clearly the G10 is a larger, more advanced creation, it too is a daysailer. Built with an homage to both his father and the graceful designs of slightly bygone days – note the overhanging stern, for example. But Neil is no luddite; the G10 incorporates the most modern design principles. It also takes care of the details too. “I didn’t want control lines everywhere – the lines all run underdeck and are set up to make double-handed racing easy.”
With two versions on the drawing board – a day cruiser and club racer – there are plans afoot to bring the G10 to life. A Canadian designer working with a Canadian builder on a project of this elegance would certainly be a choice for some discerning sailors.
For more info check WWW.GILBERTCREATIVE.INFO
