Olympic Adventure 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Olympic Adventure 42 began its production run in 1978. It was designed by the esteemed American naval architect Ted Brewer, who is known for his practical and seaworthy cruising designs. While specific details of Brewer's design philosophy for this particular model are not extensively documented, his broader work often emphasized stability, comfort in a seaway, and ease of handling for long-distance cruising. The builder, Olympic Marine, established in 1969 in Lavrio, Greece, underwent significant growth and modernization in the 1970s, expanding its facilities and implementing new shipbuilding methods. During this period, the company gained a reputation for producing durable fiberglass vessels, often incorporating marine plywood structural elements meticulously encapsulated in hand-rolled fiberglass. This commitment to solid construction is evident in the Adventure 42, reflecting Olympic Marine's ethos of building robust and reliable yachts. The choice of a ketch rig for the Adventure 42 aligns with the design principles for comfortable cruising, as smaller, more manageable sails are generally considered easier to handle, particularly for a boat of this size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Olympic Adventure 42 is characterized by a heavy displacement hull and a ketch rig, indicative of its design as a capable cruiser rather than a light-air racer. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 290.41, she falls into the heavy displacement category, suggesting a powerful and stable motion through the water, particularly in challenging conditions. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of about 16.30 indicates moderate performance, meaning she is not primarily designed for exceptional speed in light winds but possesses a generous sail plan for a performance cruiser. This configuration, combined with a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 38%, contributes to her reasonable stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze. Owners often describe her as a boat with excellent seakeeping abilities. The ketch rig offers versatility in sail management, allowing for various sail combinations to adapt to changing wind conditions, and generally makes for easier handling of individual sails compared to a sloop of comparable total sail area. Her long keel hull type further contributes to directional stability and a comfortable motion offshore.

Accommodations and Layout

The Olympic Adventure 42 offers spacious accommodations designed for extended periods aboard. With a length overall of just over 42 feet and a beam of 13.17 feet, she provides ample interior volume. The boat features three cabins and can accommodate 6 to 9 individuals with additional berths. A comfortable maximum headroom of 6.25 feet ensures good mobility throughout the main cabin areas. The interior finish, typical of many boats from this era, prominently features mahogany woodwork. Mahogany, a hardwood, was chosen for its water-repellent qualities and resistance to decay, contributing to a warm, traditional aesthetic and durable finish. While specific detailed layout diagrams are not readily available, the design of the Olympic Adventure 42 generally includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining area, a galley, and private aft cabin(s), often with a separate head compartment. Storage is typically generous, catering to the needs of cruisers on longer voyages. The layout, combined with the substantial hull, aims to provide a comfortable and functional living space for its crew.