GM8 Sportsboat /trailer sailor “Aqueous Humour”

Overview

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

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 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

ℹ️ Important Notes

• Trailer not included

• DockPro Seapen (2019) suitable for 8.0 m × 2.6 m vessel – Available as an optional extra (value $7,000)

• Vessel currently located at Hope Harbour Marina

• Viewing by appointment only

Disclaimer:
Oceania Marine has prepared this information in good faith from details supplied by the vessel’s owner and other sources believed to be reliable. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Oceania Marine makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Interested parties should make their own enquiries and satisfy themselves as to all aspects of the vessel, including its condition, inventory, specifications and suitability for their intended use. Oceania Marine strongly recommends that all prospective purchasers undertake their own inspection and obtain an independent pre-purchase survey and mechanical inspection where appropriate. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all vessels are offered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis.