Olympic Queen Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Olympic Queen commenced in 1968, marking its entry into the market as a substantial cruising vessel. The Olympic Yachtcraft Corp., located in Montreal, Quebec, operated as the North American extension of the reputable Olympic Yachts of Greece, a company known for its emphasis on quality and innovative manufacturing techniques. While a specific designer for the Olympic Queen is not widely documented, the builder's general ethos during this period favored durable construction, a characteristic that is evident in the Queen's fiberglass hull and long keel design. The parent company in Greece provided a five-year limited hull warranty, underscoring their confidence in their craftsmanship, which would have extended to vessels built or designed by its Canadian subsidiary.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Olympic Queen is characterized by its significant displacement relative to its waterline length, with a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 389.61. This places it firmly in the category of a 'heavy cruiser,' suggesting a powerful and stable motion rather than a light, agile performance. Boats in this weight class are renowned for their ability to handle challenging sea states with composure, providing a comfortable ride even when conditions deteriorate.

Further supporting its cruising credentials, the Olympic Queen boasts a high Comfort Ratio of 42.09. This figure indicates that the boat is exceptionally comfortable, with one source suggesting it offers a more comfortable ride than 95% of similar sailboat designs. This comfort is a direct benefit of its heavy displacement and full-keel design, which dampens pitching and rolling. Its Capsize Screening Formula of 1.57 also points to excellent initial stability, a desirable trait for an offshore vessel designed to stand up to robust winds. As a ketch-rigged vessel, the Olympic Queen offers flexible sail plans, allowing for easier handling and balance in varying wind conditions, and typically provides a more manageable sail area for single-handed or short-handed crews.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the original 1968 Olympic Queen are not extensively cataloged, later variants such as the Olympic Queen 41, introduced in 1985, offer insights into the typical spacious accommodations provided by the builder. These vessels are noted for their ample living spaces, often featuring multiple cabins—for example, three double cabins plus an additional berth, and typically two heads. The focus would have been on creating a livable and functional interior suitable for long-term cruising. Owners can expect a traditional layout, likely featuring a V-berth forward, a main salon with a dinette, a galley, and quarter berths aft. The construction quality would have utilized durable materials, consistent with the builder's reputation for robust vessels. Owners often highlight the spaciousness of the interiors, which would have been a significant selling point for cruisers and liveaboards.