Elizabethan 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Elizabethan 30 began production in 1968, marking one of David Thomas's early commercial successes as a yacht designer. Peter Webster Ltd., operating from the Ropewalk Boat Yard in Lymington, England, was a pioneer in embracing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for yacht construction during the mid-1960s. The company quickly gained a reputation for building high-quality, durable sailing yachts, with the Elizabethan 30 being a testament to their robust, over-engineered approach to fiberglass construction. The design brief for the Elizabethan 30 specifically aimed for a yacht capable of performing well upwind in strong breezes, reflecting its origins as a Half Ton Cup contender. The model saw variations during its production run, including standard versions with up to three marques, which featured some internal differences. A later, more cruising-oriented evolution of the design was introduced as the Elizabethan 9M. An Elizabethan 30 MkII also exists, demonstrating refinements over its production life.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.09, the Elizabethan 30 is indicative of a vessel that performs capably in lighter air. However, its robust ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.48 suggests a very stiff and stable boat, well-equipped to stand up to stronger winds and offering excellent righting capability. Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of roughly 235.1 places it in the moderate displacement category, aligning with a performance-oriented cruiser.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Elizabethan 30 for its well-balanced handling and impressive performance, especially as conditions become more challenging. She features a moderate fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to her responsive and predictable steering. Anecdotal evidence suggests that her sailing qualities are comparable to the well-regarded Contessa 32, with some owners reporting that the Elizabethan 30 could even outpace them. Sailing Today magazine reportedly gave the Elizabethan 30 a "rave review" in a comparative assessment of 30-foot class boats, further solidifying its reputation for excellent seakeeping and ease of handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior layout are not extensively documented in structured data, the Elizabethan 30 is known to offer practical and comfortable accommodations below deck. The interior typically provides six berths distributed across two cabins, making it suitable for short stays or extended coastal cruising. Reviewers and owners frequently note that the cabin feels spacious, with some examples boasting over 6 feet (1.8m) of headroom, enhancing liveability.

The general build quality of the interior, much like the hull itself, is considered very solid, with owners often reporting an absence of common issues such as deck leaks or spongy decks found in some other vessels of its era. The layout often includes a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a head, with modern amenities like diesel cabin heating sometimes installed by owners. Some boats were initially sold with main mouldings and were part-fitted out by their first owners, potentially leading to some internal variations between individual vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

Elizabethan 30 owners frequently express high satisfaction with their vessels, consistently praising the solid construction, seaworthiness, and comfortable motion that characterises the Peter Webster-built yachts. Many consider it a "lovely boat" and "highly recommended," valuing its timeless design and reliable performance. The robust build quality, particularly the absence of significant deck or structural issues, is a recurring positive theme among owners.

While generally well-regarded, one owner reported a specific issue concerning cap shroud chain plates being set forward of the mast, affecting spar alignment. However, widespread common problems or significant design flaws are not frequently cited. The enduring appeal of the Elizabethan 30 is further underscored by the active and dedicated Elizabethan Owners Association, which serves as a valuable resource and community for those who cherish these classic fiberglass yachts.