Olympic 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ted Brewer-designed Olympic Adventure 42 is a classic masthead ketch characterized by a high Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 303, marking it as a true heavy cruiser. Its handling is defined by remarkable directional stability, thanks to a long-keel configuration that allows the boat to track effortlessly on long offshore passages. According to notes from Ted Brewer Designs, the model was part of a lineage of center-cockpit yachts like the Whitby 42, prioritizing a "dry" ride and predictable sea-kindliness over raw speed. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 16.0, it requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive, but once moving, its momentum carries it through heavy chop with minimal hobby-horsing.

In contrast, the later Olympic Sea 42, penned by Doug Peterson, utilizes a fin keel and spade rudder. This version is significantly more responsive, with a hull form derived from the racing-influenced designs of the late 1980s. It features a masthead sloop rig and was marketed as a "performance cruiser," benefiting from a narrower entry and reduced wetted surface compared to its ketch-rigged predecessor. While the Adventure 42 feels "planted" in the water, the Sea 42 is nimble, tacking through smaller angles and performing admirably in the light-to-moderate winds typical of the Mediterranean summer.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Olympic 42 reflects the shipyard's commitment to traditional craftsmanship, often utilizing solid mahogany or teak that is increasingly rare in modern production yachts. The "Adventure" version typically features a center-cockpit layout which allows for a palatial, full-beam aft owner's cabin with an ensuite head. This design frequently includes a walk-through corridor on the starboard side of the engine room, providing internal access to the aft cabin—a luxury noted by designer Ted Brewer as a major evolution over previous 40-foot designs.

The "Sea" version, built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, often adopted an aft-cockpit configuration with three cabins and two heads. These models utilized "Aramat K," a composite material consisting of glass and Kevlar fibers, which allowed for thinner, stronger hull sections and increased internal volume. Headroom is generous throughout both variants, rarely dipping below 6'4" in the main saloon. Sibling models built on similar platforms include the Olympic 40 (often found in charter fleets) and the larger Olympic 47, which extended the hull to accommodate additional crew quarters.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Olympic 42 with a focus on structural maintenance, given the age of the fleet.

• Deck Core Integrity: Both variants used balsa or foam sandwich construction for the decks. It is vital to inspect for soft spots around high-load areas such as stanchion bases, windlasses, and chain plates, where original bedding compounds may have failed over the decades.
• Aramat K and Osmosis: While the Peterson-designed "Sea" 42 used advanced Kevlar composites, earlier hull batches from the mid-70s to early 80s should be moisture-tested. High humidity in the Greek climate where many were built can lead to localized blistering if the gelcoat was not properly maintained.
• Ketch Rigging Loads (Adventure Model): On ketch-rigged versions, the mizzen mast step and associated stay tension should be scrutinized. Because these boats are often used for heavy blue-water cruising, the standing rigging is frequently past its expiration date and may require a full replacement for insurance purposes.
• Rudder Bearings: The Sea 42’s spade rudder is more vulnerable to bearing wear than the skeg-protected or long-keel rudders of the Adventure 42. Check for lateral "slop" in the steering quadrant, which may indicate a need for new bushings.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support for the Olympic 42 is the Ted Brewer Yacht Design association, which maintains archives for the Adventure series. In Greece, the shipyard's legacy continues through the Olympic Marine facility in Lavrion, which remains one of the largest marinas and refit centers in the Attica region, though they no longer produce these specific fiberglass models.

The Verdict

The Olympic 42 is a "sailor’s boat" that offers a bridge between classic heavy-displacement philosophy and modern performance-cruising. It is an ideal choice for those looking for a stout, well-built vessel with "good bones" that can be refitted into a world-class circumnavigator.

Pros

• Exceptional Woodwork: Superior interior joinery compared to modern "IKEA-style" mass production boats.
• Versatile Design: Offers a choice between a stable ketch (Adventure) and a fast sloop (Sea).
• Heavy Weather Prowess: Excellent sea-kindliness and a high comfort ratio for offshore work.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensive: Aging systems and potential deck core issues require a diligent survey.
• Slow in Light Air: The Adventure 42's heavy displacement makes it sluggish without significant wind or engine assist.
• Complex Rigging: The ketch variant involves twice the amount of standing and running rigging to maintain.