2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 381988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsWauquiez
Year2015–20201988–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkFrance
DesignerNiels JeppesenJean-Marie Finot
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)8.38 m (27.5 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)47.0 m² (506 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
21.56

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.

In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is 1.37m longer than the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 displaces approximately 43% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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