Wasa 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Wasa Yachts, founded in 1975 in Södertälje, Sweden, built its reputation on crafting yachts of "highest quality and reliability," a philosophy deeply ingrained in the Wasa 30's creation. The company’s transition from a service-oriented business to a yacht builder meant a focus on understanding owner needs and building boats that would endure. The Wasa 30, introduced in 1978, embodies this ethos, showcasing robust construction and a superior finish that became a hallmark of the brand.

Leif Ängermark's design for the Wasa 30 aimed for a light displacement, fractionally rigged sloop, hinting at a performance-oriented cruiser. During its production run, the Wasa 30 was offered with variations, including options for a low or high rig, and different keel configurations, such as a shallower 1.65-meter draft with an iron keel, alongside the deeper 5.9-foot (approximately 1.8-meter) lead fin keel specified in some models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wasa 30's design ratios paint a picture of a boat with strong sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.65, she demonstrates excellent potential for performance, particularly in lighter air conditions where her generous sail plan can efficiently propel her. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio, a remarkable 0.56, indicates a high degree of initial stiffness and stability, suggesting the boat can stand up to a good breeze and maintain a comfortable angle of heel.

However, the Wasa 30's extremely light Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 91.89 places her firmly in the ultra-light displacement category. While contributing to her lively performance, this characteristic can lead to a tender motion in lively conditions, with some anecdotal reports suggesting she might "slam enough to shake your fillings out" when sailing upwind in choppy seas, a motion that might not appeal to all cruising sailors. This highlights a trade-off where her performance-oriented, light hull design, despite the high ballast ratio, can result in a more active ride than heavier traditional cruisers. The Wasa 30 features a fin keel and a spade rudder, typical of designs aimed at agility and responsiveness.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Wasa 30 is characterized by a simple yet functional layout designed to accommodate up to six people. The main cabin typically features a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into additional berths, contributing to the boat's capacity for overnight stays. While specific details on the finish quality, materials, storage, or ventilation are not extensively documented, Wasa Yachts' general reputation for "characteristic for Scandinavia high quality work" suggests that the interior would have been robustly constructed with a focus on durability. This focus on practicality and quality aligns with the builder's ethos of creating vessels for lasting enjoyment.