GM GM8 Racer Cruiser Trailer Sailor

GM8 Racer/Cruiser Trailer Sailor - Carbon Rig - Bay to Bay Winner

Optional DockPro Seapen available by negotiation

Designed and built in 2003 by respected boat builder Gary Mendham (Coffs Harbour), this one-of-a-kind GM8 Racer/Cruiser was conceived as a fast, modern trailerable capable of genuine family cruising while remaining highly competitive on the racecourse.

At 8.0 m LOA and 2.5 m beam, she is built to the maximum legal trailerable dimensions, offering impressive interior volume without compromising performance or ease of handling. Her rig and deck layout have often been compared to an Elliott 7 / 7.8, however the upgrade to a masthead carbon rig delivers even more power and pace than the original alloy spar.

She first raced as "Destiny" in the Bay to Bay Race (2007) -- winning outright -- and has since proven herself in bridge-to-bridge events, big river sailing, and the Moreton Bay Classic. A regular club racer out of Hollywell Sailing Squadron, this boat has been exceptionally well maintained and further upgraded in 2025, making her equally suited to racing or comfortable cruising.

Performance & Rig:

C-Tech masthead carbon rig (approx. 2019)
Swept-back twin spreaders with sail-slide track
Square-top carbon mainsail
No. 1 & No. 2 jibs
Masthead asymmetric spinnaker and Code Zero flown from a 1.5 m carbon bowsprit
Fractional symmetric spinnakers with pole
Adjustable forestay for on-the-fly rig tuning
Overspec'd sidestays
Easily sailed solo in cruising mode or 4-up in racing mode
Lazy jacks, topping lift, and new boom bag (2025)

2025 Upgrades & Improvements:

A significant refit was completed in 2025, focusing on family comfort, safety, and usability, without compromising performance:
Major interior structural & cosmetic refresh
Full new set of internal cushions
New internal flooring
New chart table setup
New internal sink with electric pump outlet
2 internal freshwater bladders
New Bluetooth stereo/media unit with 2 new speakers
Victron battery monitor with Bluetooth
New Harken self-tailing winch on port side (replacing original non-self-tailer)
Relocated mainsheet bridle further aft, increasing cockpit space
(original configuration can be reinstated if desired)
2 removable long cockpit safety rails, with optional circular cushioning
2 new grab rails on coachhouse
New custom headsail deck bag
2 new covers
These upgrades significantly enhance liveability and safety while retaining the boat's sharp race performance -- directly supporting the updated asking price.

Interior & Accommodation - Well finished and thoughtfully arranged:

Sleeps up to 5
Forward V-berth with quality cushions
Two stern berths plus potential pilot berth
Chart table
Sink (plumbed)
Bulkhead providing privacy for porta-potty (new, in box)

Deck, Systems & Electronics:

Clean, functional, race-proven deck layout
2 cabin-top primary winches (port now self-tailing)
Lifting keel with 6:1 purchase system
Raymarine GPS/plotter, depth, log, fishfinder
Fixed VHF radio
Raymarine Autohelm ST1000+
Genasun solar panels
Full deck covers, boom tent, foredeck tent, boom bag, engine cover

Mechanical:

Suzuki DF6A 4-stroke outboard, 4 hp (new 2020)
Approx. 25 L fuel tank with gauge in cockpit locker
Max speed approx. 6 knots

Key Specifications:

Length: 8.00 m (26'3")
Beam: 2.5 m
Draft: 1.7 m
Displacement: 1100 kg
Ballast: 350 kg lead keel
Hull: Fibreglass / GRP (Durakore balsa, West System epoxy)
Designer / Builder: Gary Mendham
Launch Year: 2003

Important Notes: Trailer not included. DockPro Seapen (2019) suitable for 8.0 m × 2.6 m vessel - Available as an optional extra by negotiation (value $7,000)

Vessel currently located at Runaway Bay Marina. Viewing by appointment only.