Easterly 30 (Smith) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Easterly 30 (Smith) emerged from a period of innovation in fiberglass yacht production by Compass Yachts Ltd., founded by Don Lees and Gunther Heuchmer. The company, operating concurrently in Australia and New Zealand, was dedicated to embracing fiberglass as a revolutionary material to make yacht ownership more accessible. The Easterly 30, designed by Claude Allen Smith in the late 1960s, exemplifies this ethos, being produced in both Compass yards with approximately 30 units built in New Zealand and around 50 in Australia, totaling roughly 80 boats. 2, 4, Builder Article While there was also an "Easterly 30 (Brennan)" by designer Mike Brennan, the Claude A. Smith version is the primary one associated with Compass Yachts Ltd., 3] Owners in New Zealand report some alterations to Smith's original design by local builders, including the addition of a doghouse. The hull and deck were constructed from solid fiberglass, indicative of the robust building practices of the era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Easterly 30 (Smith) is characterized by its masthead sloop rig and a fin keel paired with a skeg-hung rudder, designed for a balanced sailing experience. With a total calculated sail area of 403.13 square feet and a displacement of 9,546 pounds, the boat has a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.31. This places it in the moderate category, suggesting capable performance without being a dedicated light-air racer. The Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at about 0.247, which indicates moderate stiffness, meaning the boat may require earlier reefing in stronger winds compared to vessels with higher ballast ratios. However, owners have described the Easterly 30 as "stiff," implying a solid and reliable feel in various conditions. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 308.9 firmly categorizes it as a heavier, more traditional cruiser, aligning with Compass Yachts' reputation for building robust and practical vessels. This heavier displacement typically contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, suitable for the coastal and offshore cruising it was designed for. Owners have generally positive impressions, noting it as a "good boat" capable of sailing around various regions.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed interior layouts for the Easterly 30 (Smith) are not extensively documented in available public records. However, for a 30-foot cruising sailboat of its era, a typical interior arrangement would likely include a V-berth forward, a marine head, a salon area with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and possibly a quarter berth. Given its design as a practical cruiser, the emphasis would have been on functional living spaces, durable finishes, and adequate storage for extended trips. Original engines were Bukh or Volvo 1-cylinder diesels, though some boats were also fitted with Stuart Turner gas engines.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Easterly 30 (Smith) consistently praise its enduring quality and suitability as a cruising yacht. Many appreciate its robust fiberglass construction and the solid feel it offers on the water. The boat has been described as a "good boat" and is still actively sailed by enthusiasts, often found in New Zealand waters. While a specific list of recurring problems is not widely documented, owners embarking on refits often prioritize safety items and advise updating older rigging, a common maintenance consideration for vessels of this age. The longevity and active owner community underscore the practicality and lasting appeal of the Easterly 30 as an affordable and reliable entry into yacht ownership.