Capo 30 Information, Review, Specs

Westerly Marine Inc., established in 1970 in Santa Ana, California, differentiated itself by specializing in high-performance, custom-built vessels utilizing advanced composite materials like carbon fiber from its inception. This focus on cutting-edge construction aligns perfectly with the design principles behind the Capo 30.

The Capo 30 was produced by Westerly Marine Inc. for a brief period between 1984 and 1985. Its creation was largely influenced by the design philosophy of Carl Schumacher, a prolific naval architect known for creating over 50 production and custom sailboat designs with a strong emphasis on performance. Schumacher designed the Capo 30 specifically to excel under the MORC rule, a handicap system that encouraged efficient, fast designs.

Westerly Marine's manufacturing ethos during this era centered on advanced composite construction, aiming for lightweight yet robust yachts. This approach allowed Schumacher's designs, including the Capo 30, to achieve their performance potential. The Capo 30 shares visual similarities with other performance designs of its time, such as the later Olson 911S (1985) and the Schumacher 30 built by Dennis Choate, although it is considered a distinct design. Only a limited number of Capo 30s, specifically eight, were built, cementing its status as a niche, performance-focused vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Capo 30's design ratios underscore its performance pedigree. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.87, the Capo 30 indicates excellent light-air performance, suggesting it will accelerate quickly and maintain speed even in lighter breezes. This relatively high ratio is characteristic of boats designed for racing efficiency.

Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.416 points to a stiff and stable boat. This means the Capo 30 can carry its canvas well and stand up to stronger winds without excessive heeling, providing a secure and controlled sailing experience in various conditions. The keel type, a fin keel, further contributes to its upwind performance and maneuverability.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 205.7, positions the Capo 30 as a moderately light displacement vessel for its length. This figure, while not ultra-light, is indicative of a performance-oriented boat that balances speed potential with enough mass for a comfortable motion. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Capo 30 offers good sailing performance with balanced handling, making it suitable for both competitive racing and agile cruising. Its spade rudder ensures responsive steering and precise control, particularly important for a performance design.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications for the Capo 30's interior layout are not extensively documented, it is described as a mid-sized cruiser that combines good sailing performance with comfortable accommodations. Given its 30-foot length overall and a beam of 10.33 feet, a typical layout for a boat of this era and purpose would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a small galley, and a compact head compartment.

The emphasis on racing, coupled with the builder's focus on lightweight advanced composites, suggests that the interior finish would likely be functional and well-executed, though possibly less ornate than more dedicated cruising boats. The primary design objective for many performance cruisers of this period was to optimize space for both crew comfort during races and liveability during shorter cruising trips, balancing weight savings with essential amenities.