The Andrews 30 Mk I is a distinctive performance sailboat, conceived by the esteemed American maritime architect Alan Andrews and built by Dencho Marine of Long Beach, California. Designed with a clear focus on racing, this approximately 30-foot monohull, with a length overall of 29.97 feet and a waterline length of 25.29 feet, was engineered to be a light and fast sport boat capable of day racing and occasional overnight stays. She gained particular renown as an MORC Class B competitor, notably winning the 1982 International MORC Championships under the name 'Details'.
Dencho Marine, founded by Dennis Choate in 1973, established a reputation for constructing high-quality, limited-production racing sailboats, often in collaboration with leading naval architects. The Andrews 30 Mk I, produced between 1982 and 1983, embodies Dencho Marine's manufacturing ethos of prioritizing performance and tailoring vessels for competitive racing rulesets. Only one example of the Andrews 30 Mk I was built, making it an exceptionally rare vessel. This specific yacht was initially slated for broader production as the Islander 30A; however, these plans were curtailed when the builder ceased operations. Its unique history and singular existence distinguish it from other Andrews 30 models that may have emerged later.
The Andrews 30 Mk I boasts sailing performance characteristics typical of a dedicated racer. Her Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 21.19 indicates excellent performance potential, particularly in lighter air, suggesting she is quick to accelerate and highly responsive. With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 0.357, she offers good stability, allowing her to stand up to a respectable amount of wind without excessive heeling. Her Displacement to Length ratio of around 193.15 categorizes her as a light, performance-oriented vessel, further emphasizing her design as a "Sport Boat" and "PHRF SPORT BOAT RACER". Designed for speed, her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 6.74 knots. Anecdotal descriptions suggest the Andrews 30, in general, is a "proven race machine", which aligns with the Mk I's specific racing pedigree.
Given its design as a "day and occasional overnight racer", the accommodations aboard the Andrews 30 Mk I would likely prioritize functionality for racing crew over extensive cruising amenities. While specific headroom details are not available, the interior layout typically features a basic arrangement common to sport boats of its era, likely including a V-berth forward, a simple salon area, and possibly a marine head. Such layouts are designed to provide essential comforts for short-term stays, with storage optimized for sailing gear and provisions for regattas, rather than long-term liveaboard cruising. Due to the boat's extremely limited production run of just one vessel, detailed owner perspectives and common issues are not widely documented for the Andrews 30 Mk I.