Curious genius - a personal tour of Pete Goss's quirky mini-adventure yacht

World renowned ocean sailor and adventurer Pete Goss gives Yachting World a personal tour of his quirky 32ft yacht, Oddity. Designed to explore everywhere, she is a unique concept, which opens up a wide range of cruising options.
(NB correction to the spec's at the end, should read LWL 31ft 9.45m, Beam 11ft 3.35m)
You can read more about Oddity and Pete's build process here: www.yachtingwo...
Videography: Mark Lloyd / lloydimages.com
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[@Ian-gf8id]

That's pretty much my idea of the ideal boat - brilliantly practical, robust, and easy to sail/operate single-handedly if needed. Brilliant.

[@dustincarlsson8263]

Yes and fits on 10 meter birth / pontoon, easy to dock / park. Also keep the mooring cost down at Marinas 😊

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

I'd rather it had two unstayed masts with junk sails but otherwise it's pretty nice.

[@sumobear2031]

WOW, what a superb, simple, sea going yacht. The designer certainly knows his onions. Wishing you calm sea's and a following wind, enjoy your ventures.

[@zeilgenot]

She is absolutely stunning. I’ve never seen a boat so unique and so focussed on the wide range of functional requirements. There is only on drawback: she’s not the most beautiful. Best of luck and fun sailing her! Best, Harry

[@stevenschapera2888]

I agree….she certainly not a looker….but I suspect a different creative eye would use different colours and surface finishes, curve a few straight lines, straighten a few curves, and the result would be much prettier without affecting function one bit.

[@stuartsutherland7664]

My dream boat! So many great ideas incorporated into the design.

[@geoffanderson4869]

Love it. She is a true beauty and the beauty is in the functionality. Why do mainstream designer/builders not produce boats like this rather than the boring clones that seem to dominate the new boat sales?

[@marmac567]

Because 99% of sailors are not like Pete,,,, they like to hang around marinas

[@cornishhh]

Boats of this size are built primarily for the charter market. Racing is also important.

[@petec9686]

This boat needs to be put into production. Absolutely genius little boat.

[@HerveMendell]

It's not so little.

[@Rodrifuuu]

@@HerveMendellFor 32ft, it's very spacious. But a 32ft boat is small for a cruiser.

[@2000willsome]

Wow. The last time I heard of Pete Goss was when I read "Close to the Wind" shortly after it was published. Good to hear he is still talking about Tracy. Wholesome youtube.

[@richdudester]

Fantastic boat and brilliant walk around!

[@z_actual]

Its a lovely boat and Im so pleased you put her up online, makes me want to see more of her but Im sure shes not 31ft in the beam

[@Gottenhimfella]

Not sure where you get that from, I heard him say the beam was 11ft ON EDIT It seems at the end of the video it IS tabulated, wrongly, at 31ft as you say. My apologies.

[@z_actual]

@@Gottenhimfella cool

[@yachtingworld]

Yes, well spotted, there's a note in the description text re. correction to the spec's at the end, should read LWL 31ft 9.45m, Beam 11ft 3.35m

[@z_actual]

@@yachtingworld no harm done

[@AdventuresofanoldSeadog]

Loved the tour.

[@carlosdias8404]

Wow. Very, very nicely thought out. This boat ticks all the boxes for me.

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

Very well thought out!!! Down below, you've got more room than my Colvin Gazelle. I'm "downsizing" soon, though. to my old Westerly Centaur. It's a LOT easier to single hand.

[@Gottenhimfella]

I presume storm washboards extending up to the level of the seats can be fitted inside the doors to allow them to be opened without downflooding, even if the cockpit is full. Sometimes waves will fill a cockpit more frequently than any drains could manage, and given that the boat is (with any luck) likely to be surfing down an incline, in following seas steep enough to do this, the water ends up at the front of the cockpit well. (Which is why it should predominantly drain from the forrard end) Given how high the doorway goes, there would be little difficulty stepping over such boards, I guess.

[@rossbarnett3759]

Makes so much sense so practical.

[@iCover480]

Tracy this and Tracy that. This man is obsessed with Tracy.

[@RicCross]

Interesting purpose built boat. Like the idea that it can be used for both rivers and coastal cruising in Europe, sort of a floating apartment for an extended Euro vacation. Like the KISS principle in plywood and other “workboat” elements that seem practical and have a cost/comfort benefit. I “think” there is a standard minimum bridge height for the waterways in Europe just have no idea what that is…

[@artfulalias3984]

Much more interesting and practical than inflating a J boat up to cruising size, sailing a cargo vessel packed with weight, under a high stress, high maintenance, high cost, racing rig. Giving up ruggedness and shallow access. All for a few degrees of pointing. I also like the simple pleasant interior.

[@tearsinthesun799]

Love that boat, it’s so practical 😊

[@davidLPST]

Pete Goss. Hero and legend. His book in his vendee circumnavigation is a great read. Respect.

[@nicolaebulgaru]

Nice and simple. Greetings from the banks of the Danube.

[@danielhamilton4269]

Perfect Boat! Perfect Co-Captains!!!

[@pumbaoverland]

Cool boat... lots of intelligent solutions..

[@randy8643]

Great boat!

[@Invertatude]

Reminds me a lot of the Ovni 370 layout and hull shape but done in fiberglass and wood.

[@markmaugle4599]

Very nice custom boat.

[@clayflats1788]

Kitchen forward combined with internal helm position, 0:59

[@bobbob6472]

Sometimes people name boats and other times, they name themselves. Love the function over style choices made here.

[@petec9686]

The combo pulpit/gin pole is genius. I'll bet mast stepping is a breeze.

[@ItreboR63I]

Love it

[@richardfinnigan7458]

When is that going into production?

[@SchnuckySchuster]

Looks great.

[@Nathaliwinther]

This is sooo cool 😮🎉

[@stuartcrane9409]

It’s interesting that you have chosen a gaff rig Peter, a lot more flexible and efficient

[@crphilipp]

Genius

[@aviewfromthewall]

Are there plans for sale? I wonder if anyone else tried to build one?

[@cwr8618]

Anyone know how much something like this would cost? And what maintenance costs would be?

[@TK-nk1cv]

Nice boat! - What is the headroom in cm?

[@eduardgindin3763]

Brilliant

[@marmac567]

Aluminum?

[@tonylee8550]

Looks like ikea inside👍

[@Cinarli1979]

Hey! Is this not the sailor who convinced me to buy a Garcia if I ever had the money? Now he is promoting another boat. WHAT HAPPENED?

[@n.o.b.1907]

Garcia was aluminum and this is polyester.

[@mckenziesonthemove807]

My thoughts exactly !! Garcia was very short lived indeed

[@yachtingworld]

See above - Pete explains why he sold his Garcia in the feature on Oddity www.yachtingworld.com/cruising/pete-goss-a-new-mini-exploration-yacht-thats-a-bit-different-143376

[@DNN88]

Just buy a Boreal 55OC and enjoy life 😝

[@Cinarli1979]

@@yachtingworld Thanks!

[@dalewolver8739]

Did you get rid of the Garcia?

[@pironiero]

What's the headroom?

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

it looks like a fishing boat.

[@pjenkins3700]

For sure a triumph of function; but a triumph of form? I'm not quite there...

[@davidsier4047]

What is the beam really? I dont think its 31 feet!!!!

[@yachtingworld]

Yes, there's a note in the description re. correction to the spec's at the end, should read LWL 31ft 9.45m, Beam 11ft 3.35m

[@avail1.]

"it" is a nice boat.

[@eriksvsirocco]

15:50 The beam is definitely not 31ft...

[@yachtingworld]

Yes, there's a note in the description re. correction to the spec's at the end, should read LWL 31ft 9.45m, Beam 11ft 3.35m

[@AntiVaganza]

Great video, great boat. But producers... "Deadcat" please. It's 2023, I bet youtube will only grow in importance to you and good audio should be part of that.

[@Antipodean33]

Pity whoever filmed this didn't take direction and swing the camera around while he was explaining the transom, probably the most interesting aspect engineering/design wise. We don't need to see his face the entire time when he's speaking, you can film what he's talking about without the need to watch his mouth move.

[@ioanstetca4705]

Interesting boat. But come on Mr. Goos, “those countries in the Eastern Europe” and are just a few of them on the Danube are by now way out of the Middle Ages! 😀 You know that they even have long traditions in ship building and functional navy’s? It’s so lame, like someone saying: oh I will build this car with two steering wheels because you know, there in England they are so backward that they drive on wrong side of the road, or something like that.

[@KSMsails]

This guy should teach a ‘Cruisers 101’ class. Love his approach to sailing and life.

[@rolfnilsen6385]

He was way wilder 20 years ago :-) The "Team Phillips" was also full of his different ideas. Some very good, some not so. But it was really fun to see that he is still kicking around with boats.

[@team3383]

I think "this guy" as you call him is an retired marine corps and circumnavigated the world - giving up first place to turn back and save a fellow sailor. He was awarded the Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur by the French President and an MBE by Queen Elizabeth for his bravery. He gives lectures at Oxford University etc ..... - Me thinky you are a "manager". LOL.

[@erbster200]

I love designs that are not afraid to do something different in order to make life easier. He is a man who really loves his boat - looks so comfortable. Unusual look with the genoa larger than the main!

[@Fulcrum205]

The big overlapping jib was a common thing under the old CCA rating system. IIRC the system ignored or discounted the overlap area so you could run a small main with a giant Genoa and have a better rating than boats with much less sail area.

[@DanZucker]

if you're talking about the white headsail in the video clip, thats the code zero running off the bowsprit, not the genoa :)

[@tomwilliams8675]

Very interesting boat. With such a large water tank does it still have a water maker? I'd be interested in seeing more of her systems, I'm sure they're very well thought out.

[@bertmacdonald337]

Brilliant concept! I`d expect nothing less from Pete Goss. Good Effort ,Royal! Here`s to many more adventures! fair winds, mate !

[@peterawlings6568]

Just beautiful. A fabulous multi-purpose yacht with unfussy/simple and beautifully crafted features throughout. I kinda want one!!!😃

[@eugenedreyer4805]

Very spacious for its size, very happy interior, brilliant all round.

[@carlthor91]

Interesting boat, to bad the videographer got confused, that the boat is what we want to see, don't get me wrong, Peter is nice, but the object of the video is supposed to be the boat. Missed half of it as the camera was pointed at Pete. Sigh now I have to look around for a video that shows the BOAT. Best wishes all.

[@adrianvalbuena8158]

i'm going to copy some ideas to use in the future.... very, very interesting boat.... the result of the experience and good criteria.

[@yexacom]

Very nice and practical design. I think that more and more there will be yachts that are designed "out of the standard box". New materials and design technics give the opportunity to build yachts that are 10 times better in any way comared to traditional yachts.

[@crustycobs2669]

A well-done practical setup with everything you need, and nothing you don't need. Fair winds, mate.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

This bloke has put an amazing amount of detailed thought into exactly how he likes to use a boat and it’s awesome to see. Well done 👏

[@DaleNewnham]

Really enjoyed the video and like the boat a lot! We also plan a combination of coastal and canal/river cruising and went with a Wanderer 36 which is similar in many ways. Very shallow draft, ballast in the hull, centerboard, two cabins and deck saloon with a view. We need a crane to drop the mast onto a cradle for inland cruising but we felt the complexity of the mast lowering rig was not worth it for occasional use. After sailing on a friend’s 44 footer I decided that a smaller boat like this made more sense, so I can understand why Pete switched from the Garcia. See the Bestevaer 36 for a similar concept, designed by and for a guy with big boat experience.

[@ryarob]

could you give a price range for tjhe Wanderer 36?

[@backtothebarky]

A masterpiece in practicality that and very well presented to us by the skipper! A joy to see 👍🏻

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

It would have been perfect if it was junk rigged.

[@fern11100]

I’ll never forget reading about his monstrous feat related in “close to the wind”. My jaw just never closed till I finished the book.

[@skerminkel9971]

Very interesting. It seems like the perfect combination for coastal cruising and canals. I do think Mr Goss is somewhat optimistic about the level of inconvenience he will be willing to live with over his stated 20 years' ownership. I suspect that in ten years' time they will be sleeping on the bunks in the saloon, rather than crawling through that narrow access to the v-berth.

[@carlthor91]

Some people can live with the compromise, some cannot.

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@carlthor91 Indeed. There's often a lot of projection involved in such comments, I suspect.

[@Gottenhimfella]

The OP perhaps does not know much about Pete's approach to life, and his background. The modern misapprehension that convenience is a card which trumps every other consideration is unlikely to take root, I think, in this particular soil. From my own experience I know that it's perfectly feasible for an active person to be more flexible and agile at 70 than at 60, and avoiding the above misapprehension is a key element in arranging for this to be so. Furthermore, the provision of strategic handholds (and maintaining core strength) is (I reckon) the key enabling element to making it safe and sustainable to move through tight spaces in rough conditions. (Padding hard surfaces + eliminating sharp corners = step 2)

[@petergray6800]

Amazing, highly accomplished Pete Goss will enjoy his retirement on that boat. Another successful adventure.

[@miketee2444]

Definitely something to be said for an experienced boat owner being able and having the means to design and work with a builder. You end up with exactly what you want. I've often figured that most water lovers could use several boats to suit the task of the day. I don't care who you are though, simple should be priority, even if money is of no concern. Many of these very sophisticated and electronic trinket filled boats could become a nightmare as things age. Losing your safety or even comfort over some 3 dollar circuit board or similar just isn't worth it.

[@boatingscandinavia9120]

An absolute gem! Gave me a few ideas for my own boat.

[@fducedam]

Simplify, simplify, simplify, and when it's all done, simplify again. I love this boat and wish somebody produce her.

[@stevenschapera2888]

I forget who said it, but “Perfection is not when there’s nothing still to be added, it’s when there’s neither left to take away.”. It takes a very disciplined boat owner to really adhere to simplicity.

[@rbstretch100]

My kind of boat. Would be great to know how the boat was constructed.

[@ferdypl322]

Amazing boat

[@chrisclarke5040]

Very interesting modern take on the barge yacht.

[@Sugarsail1]

Why galvanized steel instead of stainless? Scratching my head about that one.

[@adampoll4977]

For a 32 foot boat that looks like a wonderful living space. Functional, cool, comfortable. Brilliant design!

[@TR4zest]

Lovely, thought-out boat. I like the practicality of functional, galvanised steel rather than bling. I am surprised though, that 1 solar panel and 1 turbine provide all the power they need - though it is a 3-fuel boat. Refilling the gas bottle for the galley can be difficult, with the several national standards for valves/fill ports.

[@Andy_M986]

I was expecting to see a bunch of Pre-schoolers walk in, the colours are the same as one we installed a security system into

[@chrisblenkinsopp8588]

You seem like a very nice chap, and you have designed a fantastic craft....I wish I had it!

[@nigelmoreland8252]

Pete, what a lovely boat; brilliantly thought out. The Old Man would have loved her. My very best to you and the safe. Nigel M

[@MrEolicus]

At first glance, this boat looks like an understated bathtub, when in fact it's anything but. Cheers.

[@kailue1499]

I love this boat, the playful & bright interior and the overall concept of the boat and all these small details. Modern life and tech is often too complex, so shifting back to simplicity and efficiency is a great step. Cheers PS: Small mistake at the end of the video: The beam is probably 11ft, not 31😏

[@yachtingworld]

Yes, well spotted, there's a note in the description text re. correction to the spec's at the end, should read LWL 31ft 9.45m, Beam 11ft 3.35m

[@toadstool1313]

This is lovely. Simple, sturdy, light, open and colourful, and made to be comfortable to really live in. I'd love to build something like this. And I imagine it cost a fair bit less than some of the ridiculously overpriced mass produced stock that's been reviewed recently.

[@robinhodgkinson]

Here’s a guy who’s done enough sailing to know exactly what he wants in a custom built boat. I’m sure he still thinks the Garcia is a great boat, despite obviously having promo deal with them. But plans change.

[@hanknaclek9747]

Great boat for gunk-holing around the less popular places. Watching this I was seeing so much of what Nick Skeets put into his Wylo 2 back 40 years ago when we were home builders in NZ. He is still exploring the places that Oddity is made for. Maybe they will bump into one another. Be great to see a comparison of the difference 40 years makes.

[@andrewcarr8526]

I believe they know each other well, certainly the designer/builder knows him well!

[@hanknaclek9747]

@@andrewcarr8526 Any idea where Nick is these days? Last heard of him doing a cruise up the Irish Sea a couple of years back from the owner of another W2 here in Kerikeri NZ

[@andrewcarr8526]

I believe he is “based” I Millbrook Cornwall although as you can imagine he is not fond of staying in one place long.

[@MrJudg3]

What happened to the Garcia?

[@dominictarrsailing]

love how the interior looks like a kid's playroom from the 1970s! some people are saying "not the most beautiful" but if I met this boat in an anchorage I'd be much more inclined to paddle over and say hello!

[@dominictarrsailing]

it also looks like the interior space of a much larger boat!

[@JoeTheLion60]

Yep - looks like a kindergarten classroom..those colours and simple box design not for me :-)

[@Gottenhimfella]

The hull is not pretty, but the rig is beautiful under sail. (And I'm not a particular fan of gaff rig)

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@JoeTheLion60 In true kindergarten fashion, in the forecabin, this quote from Dr Seuss is printed on a bed cushion . ‘Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.’ I guess, given that they built it with their little grandkids in mind, the colours are eminently suitable.

[@JoeTheLion60]

@@Gottenhimfella :-) “It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become.” “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

[@r.j.macready82]

What's the beam of this boat? The spec posted at the end looks like an error.

[@yachtingworld]

Good spot, apologies for that. Yes, that's the LWL at the end (31ft/9.45m), the beam is 11ft/3.35m

[@AndreUchoaUSA]

I'm very happy for Pete and his new little boat! Just wondering what happened with the aluminum Garcia Exploration that he promoted few years back as his new high-latitude vessel....

[@yachtingworld]

Pete explains why he sold his Garcia in the feature on Oddity. He and Tracey were on the east coast of the US in March 2020 when lockdown meant they had to leave the boat and hurriedly fly home. Pearl was sold (with all their possessions) before they could return to the boat www.yachtingworld.com/cruising/pete-goss-a-new-mini-exploration-yacht-thats-a-bit-different-143376

[@mckenziesonthemove807]

Everyone’s wondering !! Not everyone just sold their boat because of covid. We all just waited it out then carried on. It’s not a money thing. I got s sneaky suspicion the performance was a factor as there’s limited sea trials but all the ones I’ve seen she was extremely slow ie average 5 knots which is a bit painful maybe. Still a great looking boat but they just gone up 33% in the last 12 months as all grand large yachts have so value for money not the best anymore 😬

[@Dryer_Safe]

Most people buying into the Garcia type of sailboats, do not buy them with a 20-year use plan in mind. They have a plan, sail around the world for a few years, sell the boat, then do something else. So I would not look at the few people on youtube that had and sold a Garcia 45, as proof of anything. They are excellent great sailboats, for those who can afford them... This little gem, however, is more my speed :)

[@janicearmstrong9645]

Very interesting boat. Has some design features that I that I would like in my next boat. Would like to have more information on the construction and build materials.Oddity is very close to what I want in my next boat.

[@yachtingworld]

The full feature is in our January issue Janice!

[@thedude3251]

@ the end…the beam is wrong. Just saying…

[@yachtingworld]

Yes, well spotted, there's a note in the description text re. correction to the spec's at the end, should read LWL 31ft 9.45m, Beam 11ft 3.35m

[@MurkyDregs]

I love the bright airiness of the interior. It's a refreshing choice versus classic nautical rich and dark woods that actually make a space seem smaller. I'm in the process of designing/building a 29' Downeaster and this video really helped affirm some concepts I have in mind. Why not more solar and electric (induction) in the galley versus gas? What is the current battery array and overall electrical specification?

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

At her length and beam I wouldn't call her little. I think she's been very well thought out and is an amazing example of function over form while still retaining an honestly striking form. I think I'm in love with this man's beautiful home on the water and would love own her sister ship if there is one... Fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God Bless...

[@yachtingworld]

There's a note in the description re. correction to the spec's at the end, should read LWL 31ft 9.45m, Beam 11ft 3.35m

[@wallacegrommet9343]

To accomplish all of those features in 32 feet is a design challenge in the extreme. But you have succeeded admirably.

[@craiganderson8232]

Well Peter are you happy? You must be, what a wonderful boat plus all your little changes that work , you seem to be a man who gets what he wants. This l admire. Best of luck with all the planning and travels ahead. 😎 Enjoy.

[@jimdevalk]

I want this boat! please shoot another video when it's out of the water.

[@LuukMart]

Indeed a very nice boat with loads of smart ideas. I wonder which enigne is used of which you speak of? Pitty we didn't see the main cabin (if its not to private). Maybe next vdo..?;-)

[@martigrey5872]

Beta marine 43 as seid in the Video.

[@LuukMart]

@@martigrey5872 Thanks Marti Grey ..I missed that appartly

[@Gottenhimfella]

The Beta 43 is a marinised Kubota. I got the feeling that Tracey was possibly not that keen on the privacy intrusions of the video even as it stood. (But I may be well off beam.)

[@simba4805]

Brilliant design. And I'm glad people actually see it. Most people tend to think that modern production yachts are the best they can be and laugh at people who prefer a gaff rig, a mast that can lower easily, being able to dry out/ a shallow draft, simple and robust systems rather than seemingly elegant overcomplications,... This is great! It's not exactly what I'd build for myself but it is really close. 💙

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

I've just discovered my dream boat - I'm looking for something comfortable to spend 20 years coastal cruising in comfort around Europe, from the Norwegian sea to the Eastern Med and this looks to be it!

[@elrig9573]

Been waiting to see this...