Andrews 30 Mk I Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Andrews 30 Mk I is frequently described as a "light air rocket" and a "treat to steer," owing to its high-aspect rig and responsive tiller steering. With a design displacement of approximately 3,750 pounds for the lightest iterations—though as-sailed PHRF configurations often range between 6,650 and 7,000 pounds—the boat possesses the agility of a large dinghy. According to the Alan Andrews Yacht Design portfolio, the hull was optimized for speed through lightness, utilizing a deep 7-foot draft and a lead-bulbed keel to provide the necessary righting moment for its powerful masthead sloop rig.

Handling the Mk I requires a sophisticated approach to sail trim; the boat is equipped with a triple-spreader spar, rod rigging, and an array of fine-tune controls for the backstay and check stays. In light air, the boat easily sails to its PHRF rating (typically between 99 and 120), often outpacing much larger cruiser-racers on windward-leeward courses. Its performance in a breeze remains formidable, though it demands active weight management from the crew to prevent excessive heeling. The hull’s narrow entries and flat aftersections allow it to plane in heavy-air downwind conditions, a hallmark of the West Coast "sled" philosophy that Andrews would later refine in his larger 70-foot designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Consistent with its racing pedigree, the interior of the Andrews 30 Mk I is spartan and strictly functional. The layout is designed to centralize weight near the mast and keel, keeping the ends of the boat light for better sea-kindliness. The forepeak is typically left open for sail storage, while the main cabin features two settee berths and a small chart table. Some versions, such as those built by Wiggers for Great Lakes racing, include two additional pipe cots tucked under the cockpit to accommodate a full racing crew for occasional overnights.

Materials were chosen for weight savings rather than luxury; most builds utilized vacuum-bagged foam-core construction with E-glass or Kevlar reinforcements. While the boat is not intended for cruising, it offers enough headroom and basic amenities—such as a small galley counter and a portable or marine head—to satisfy the requirements of offshore racing rules like those of the Transpac or Mackinac races. Variations between hulls are common, as many were finished by their owners or specific syndicates, leading to a "custom" feel across the fleet.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Andrews 30 Mk I occupies a significant place in American yachting media as the design that launched Alan Andrews' career. Editorial retrospectives in Sailing World highlight the boat's early dominance, particularly its victory over established designers like Carl Schumacher and Bob Evelyn in the 1982 Nationals. The boat has also been a frequent subject in Professional BoatBuilder, which documented the collaborative "sweat equity" between Andrews and Dencho Marine during the initial builds.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Andrews 30 Mk I should approach the vessel with a "racing survey" mindset, focusing on high-stress areas common to lightweight custom builds:

• Keel and Hull Attachment: Given the deep draft and high righting moments, the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for stress cracking or movement.
• Core Integrity: The foam or balsa-core laminates must be checked with a moisture meter and percussion hammer, especially around deck hardware, as these boats were often raced hard in high-load conditions.
• Standing Rigging: Many Mk I models utilize rod rigging; if the history of the rods is unknown or older than 10-15 years, a full replacement or dye-penetrant inspection is recommended.
• Ruddup Bearings and Tiller: The high-performance elliptical rudders can develop play in the bearings. Inspect the Harken or custom bearing sets for smooth operation under load.

Community & Resources

Technical support for the Andrews 30 Mk I remains accessible through Alan Andrews Yacht Design, which maintains archival data and drawings for many of its early custom designs. While no formal one-design class association exists today, the boats remain active in regional PHRF organizations such as the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association (ECSA) and the Lake Yacht Racing Association (LYRA).

The Verdict

The Andrews 30 Mk I is an uncompromising racer that offers a high-performance experience for sailors who value tactical speed over cabin luxury.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and acceleration.
• Highly responsive, dinghy-like handling.
• Robust pedigree from a world-class naval architect and builder.
• Competitive in modern PHRF and ORC handicap racing.

Cons:

• Spartan interior lacks comfort for cruising families.
• Complex rig requires an experienced and active crew to trim.
• Lightweight construction demands diligent maintenance of core and hardware.