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Olson 30
Designer: George Olsen  ·  Builder: Pacific Boats Inc.  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Olson 30

Designed by George Olson and built by Pacific Boats in the early 1980s, the Olson 30 earned a strong reputation as a fast, lightweight racer that punched well above its class. Built with a emphasis on speed rather than comfort, this West Coast favorite became a staple of competitive offshore and coastal racing, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and California sailing communities. The Olson 30 is widely celebrated for its responsive handling and impressive performance in a variety of wind conditions. Its lightweight hull construction was ahead of its time, allowing the boat to plane and accelerate in ways that heavier contemporaries simply could not match. Sailors who have spent time aboard often describe the experience as thrilling, with a lively, connected feel that rewards skilled helmsmanship. While not designed with extended cruising amenities in mind, the Olson 30 remains a compelling choice for racing enthusiasts and performance-minded sailors who prioritize speed and agility over creature comforts. Active one-design fleets in several regions keep the class competitive and community-oriented, making it an appealing option for those seeking both exciting sailing and a passionate group of fellow owners.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
Beam 9.33 ft / 2.84 m
Max Draft 5.08 ft / 1.55 m
Displacement 3,600.00 lb / 1,633 kg
Ballast 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 380.00 ft² / 35.30 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa core hull & deck
Designer George Olsen
Builder Pacific Boats Inc.
First Built 1978
Last Built 1984
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 100
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 25.95
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 10.06
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.44
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.03
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 6.22
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 916.77
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 36.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.75
P (Mainsail Luff) 31.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.75
SA Fore 211.5
SA Main 169.31
Find a Olson 30 For Sale
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