Cal 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Cal 30 falls within a pivotal period for Jensen Marine, a company founded by Jack Jensen in 1956, which swiftly embraced fiberglass as a versatile and durable material for boat construction. Jensen Marine, known for innovative design, robust construction, and exhilarating performance, established a strong partnership with Bill Lapworth, whose designs were fundamental to the Cal brand's identity. During the production run of the Cal 30, Jensen Marine focused on building solid, well-constructed, and tough yachts that were also remarkably easy to sail and comfortable.

Lapworth's design philosophy for the Cal 30 aimed to create a yacht that was both a capable cruiser and a competitive racer, a hallmark of many Cal models. The original Cal 30 featured a fin keel and a masthead sloop rig. Notably, an alternate tall rig was offered, featuring different "I," "J," "P," and "E" measurements to potentially enhance performance. The Cal 30 proved to be a popular design and was succeeded by the Cal 2-30 in 1968, a model that was a "completely different" design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cal 30 is renowned for its solid performance and agreeable handling characteristics. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.9 suggests that while capable, it leans more towards a comfortable cruising boat rather than a light-air speed demon, indicating good power in moderate to strong breezes without being excessively tender. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.364 points to moderate stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up well to its sail plan. With a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 291.4, the Cal 30 falls into the category of a moderately heavy displacement cruiser, known for its comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners consistently describe the Cal 30 as a "well-behaved vessel with good balance on all points of sail." These yachts are noted for tracking well and being very dry, and they are capable of motor speeds around 6 knots, with sailing speeds often reaching between 6 and 7 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cal 30 was thoughtfully designed to comfortably accommodate a family of four to six for cruising. The typical layout begins forward with a sizeable V-berth, providing a comfortable sleeping area. A head compartment is usually situated aft of the V-berth. Moving further aft, the main salon features a dinette, often convertible, and a settee that can also serve as a bunk. A quarter berth is commonly found aft, extending under the cockpit. While specific details on finish quality and materials require individual boat inspection, Cal boats of this era were generally known for solid construction.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cal 30 frequently praise its well-behaved nature and balanced handling under sail, confirming its reputation as a pleasure to sail. Its robust construction, characteristic of Jensen Marine-built Cal boats, contributes to its enduring popularity and the active community of owners who continue to sail and maintain these classic vessels.