Sailing Performance & Handling
The hallmark of the MG-HS30 is its pedigree as a Rob Humphreys design, an architect known for producing hulls that punch well above their weight in both speed and stability. According to Humphreys Yacht Design, the vessel was conceived as a high-performance cruiser-racer, featuring a modern underwater profile with a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. This configuration provides the boat with exceptional tracking and a tight turning circle, making it particularly adept at short-tacking in narrow estuaries.
In terms of handling, the MG-HS30 is noted for its responsiveness. Unlike many 30-footers of the era that suffered from heavy weather-helm when pressed, the HS30 maintains a neutral feel until well past its initial heel. Its masthead sloop rig is typically paired with a large mainsail and overlapping genoa, giving it the horsepower to perform in light airs where heavier cruisers might stall. Owners frequently report that the boat feels "stiff" and secure, a result of its relatively high ballast ratio, which allows it to carry full sail longer than its competitors, such as the Sigma 33.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a 30-foot vessel, the MG-HS30 offers a remarkably modern and voluminous interior, benefiting from Northshore’s experience in luxury fit-outs. The "HS" designation often signified a "High Specification" interior, which prioritized woodwork and cabinetry over the more spartan finishes found on earlier MG racing variants. The layout typically features a forward V-berth, a central saloon with a folding leaf table, and a dedicated navigation station to starboard.
A defining feature of the interior is the aft cabin, which was a relatively innovative inclusion for a 30-foot boat in the late 1980s. This cabin provides a genuine double berth and a level of privacy rarely found in older designs like the Contessa 32. The galley is generally L-shaped and positioned to port, offering sufficient bracing for cooking while underway. While Northshore did not produce as many sibling variants for the MG 30 as they did for the Southerly 115, the hull did share DNA with the larger MG 335 and the MG 38, both of which carried the same design philosophy of a fast, "med-style" cockpit paired with a traditional British interior.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
While Northshore’s build quality is generally excellent, the MG-HS30 is now an aging classic, and prospective buyers should focus on several specific technical areas:
- Deck Core and Fittings: Like many boats from the late 80s, the MG-HS30 uses a sandwich construction for the deck. High-load areas around the genoa tracks and the mast step should be inspected for "crunchiness" or moisture ingress, which can indicate core delamination.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given its performance orientation, some HS30s may have been campaigned hard in club races. Buyers should inspect the keel bolts and the internal grid structure for signs of stress or "smiles" at the leading edge of the keel joint, which might suggest a history of groundings.
- Engine Access and Age: Many original models were fitted with Volvo Penta or Yanmar diesels. While reliable, the engine space in a 30-footer is inherently tight. Check the sail drive diaphragm (if equipped) or the traditional shaft seal for leaks, as replacement in this compact engine box can be labor-intensive.
- Rudder Bearings: The balanced spade rudder provides excellent feel, but the bearings are prone to wear over decades of use. Any significant "play" or knocking when the helm is moved quickly indicates that the bush or bearings require replacement.
Community & Resources
Owners of the MG-HS30 often find a home within the broader Northshore community. While there is no longer a dedicated standalone MG manufacturer, the Southerly Owners Association occasionally accommodates MG owners due to their shared builder heritage. Technical data and original design blueprints are often archived by the Humphreys design office, which remains an active and authoritative resource for technical queries regarding the MG 30's polar diagrams and rigging specifications.
The Verdict
The Northshore MG-HS30 remains a standout choice for the sailor who wants the prestige and build quality of a Northshore yacht but prefers the performance of a modern fin-keel cruiser. It is a boat that rewards a skilled hand on the tiller while providing enough domestic comfort for a family of four to spend a week coastal cruising.
Pros:
- Superior sailing performance designed by Rob Humphreys.
- High-quality Northshore interior joinery.
- Innovative aft cabin for a 30-foot vessel.
- Stronger structural build compared to many mass-produced French yachts of the same era.
Cons:
- Fin keel draft limits access to some shallow-water anchorages.
- Engine access can be cramped for DIY maintenance.
- Market availability is limited as owners tend to hold onto them for long periods.
