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Olympic Sea 42
Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Olympic Yachts  ·  First built: 1989
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About the Olympic Sea 42

A capable and comfortable bluewater cruiser, the Olympic Sea 42 is a sailboat that inspires confidence in those looking to venture beyond coastal waters. Built with serious passage-making in mind, this vessel carries the hallmarks of a well-found offshore cruiser, offering the kind of stability and seakeeping ability that experienced sailors value when miles from shore. While detailed specifications for the Olympic Sea 42 are limited in widely available records, the boat has earned a quiet reputation among the bluewater cruising community as a solid and dependable platform. Its generous proportions suggest a roomy interior suited to extended liveaboard passages, making it an appealing option for sailors planning extended voyages or circumnavigations. For those researching this model, connecting with owners through sailing forums and cruising associations can be one of the most valuable ways to uncover firsthand accounts of her performance and quirks. Anyone seriously considering an Olympic Sea 42 should conduct a thorough survey, as with any vintage bluewater cruiser, to assess her current condition and any upgrades made over the years.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.90 ft / 12.47 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.75 ft / 9.98 m
Beam 12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Max Draft 6.42 ft / 1.96 m
Displacement 17,500.00 lb / 7,938 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 720.00 ft² / 66.89 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Olympic Yachts
First Built 1989
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
17.15
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
25.45
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
1.99
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. 7.67
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. 1.0
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