North Castle 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the North Castle 30 commenced in 1986 under North Castle Marine Ltd., the company founded by H. Ted Gozzard in Goderich, Ontario, in 1982. While Gozzard Yachts later became known for its in-house designs by Ted and his son Mike, the North Castle 30 was notably designed by Bruce Kirby. This collaboration brought Kirby's design expertise to Gozzard's established manufacturing ethos, which emphasized "Distinction, Quality and exceptional Sailing Abilities." Gozzard's philosophy centered on designing and building the best boats possible, specifically for the owner's intended use, focusing on creating sturdy, comfortable, and remarkably seakindly yachts. Their commitment to construction excellence during this era included robust builds, quality materials, and meticulous techniques, often featuring fully cored hulls and decks. Information regarding significant variations during the North Castle 30's production run is not readily available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 30 feet and a waterline length of just under 25 feet, the North Castle 30 is designed to offer a balanced cruising experience. Her sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 21.53, suggests she is a responsive vessel, likely performing well in lighter air conditions without being overpowered as the breeze builds. This ratio indicates a relatively powerful sail plan for her displacement. Her displacement to length ratio, around 224.57, places her in the moderate displacement category, hinting at a comfortable motion in a seaway and a balanced approach between outright speed and cruising stability. The fin keel with a maximum draft of 5.4 feet and a spade rudder indicate good control and maneuverability. While specific anecdotal descriptions of the North Castle 30's handling are scarce, the general Gozzard design philosophy prioritizes seakindliness and a comfortable motion, suggesting a yacht that would inspire confidence at the helm. The ballast to displacement ratio for this model is not explicitly available in provided specifications.

Accommodations and Layout

Although detailed interior layouts specifically for the Gozzard North Castle 30 are not widely documented, the builder's overarching design philosophy offers insight into its likely accommodations. Gozzard Yachts has consistently focused on the "live aboard" needs of cruising couples, crafting interiors renowned for comfort, functionality, and meticulous attention to detail. Gozzard's signature approach often involves unique and highly usable interior layouts, prioritizing living space and storage. For other Gozzard models, features like beautiful joinery, often in North American Cherry with a satin finish, are hallmarks of their interior quality. While specific headroom figures for the North Castle 30 are not provided, it is reasonable to expect a well-appointed and thoughtfully arranged cabin designed for extended time aboard, in line with Gozzard's reputation for high-quality cruising yachts.