Clubman Super 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Clubman Super 30 began production in the year 2000, emerging from the design brief of Scott Jutson, whose design firm was established in Sydney, Australia, in 1986. Jutson's vision for the Mount Gay 30 class, from which the Super 30 was developed, centered on creating yachts with "all-out performance," characterized by clean and elegant hull shapes, narrow waterline beams, and a high sail area to wetted surface ratio designed for superior light-air performance. These designs aimed for competitive racing under various handicap systems.

Austral Yachts, founded in 1972 by Adrian and Sue Keough, brought a heritage of building performance-oriented yachts with robust construction., 4] Known for their commitment to innovative design and quality craftsmanship, Austral Yachts applied their manufacturing ethos, often employing materials like E-glass sandwich construction, to ensure durability., 10] A notable feature of the Clubman Super 30 is its lifting keel and rudder, a design choice that enhances its transportability by road, offering owners greater flexibility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Austral Clubman Super 30 boasts an exceptionally high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 35.88. This figure is indicative of a very powerful, light-displacement vessel engineered for spirited performance, particularly excelling in lighter wind conditions. Reviewers have lauded the Clubman Super 30 as an "extremely fast race boat" capable of holding its own against larger vessels, sometimes even outperforming thirty-six to forty-footers.

Its design incorporates a fractional sloop rig with swept-back spreaders and no running backstays, simplifying sail handling. The fractional rig also contributes to easier tacking, a benefit for both racing and casual sailing. The boat's stability is noted to be a "high degree of stiffness," attributed to its well-planned keel weight. The inclusion of a masthead asymmetrical spinnaker further enhances its downwind performance capabilities. Sailors frequently describe the Clubman Super 30 as a "fun, fast & easy to sail" option for twilight and casual club racing, affirming its accessible performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its primary focus on racing performance, the Austral Clubman Super 30 distinguishes itself with an interior that offers a surprising level of comfort for a dedicated sports boat. Unlike many stripped-out racers, it provides a "superb interior" and a "functional interior layout" that owners find to be significantly more comfortable. This thoughtful design makes it appealing to club racing enthusiasts who also value practical liveability.

While specific dimensions for maximum headroom are not detailed, the interior is well-suited for overnight or weekend trips. Features include a basic galley, as evidenced by an owner preparing breakfast over a stove, suggesting essential cooking facilities are present. The overall impression is one of a surprisingly well-appointed space that balances the demands of competitive sailing with the desire for basic onboard amenities, making it a versatile choice for those who want to race hard and still enjoy their time at anchor.