Overview
About this vessel
The Cape Dory 30 is a 30.18 ft full-keel cruising sailboat designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory Yachts in East Taunton, Massachusetts, from 1976 to 1986. It is a classic, seaworthy cruiser known for its robust construction, traditional design, and versatility for coastal and offshore sailing. The Cape Dory 30 was offered in several configurations, including the standard sloop, cutter rig, and a ketch rig. It is one of Cape Dory's most popular models, valued for its balance of size, seaworthiness, and classic styling, and is widely used for coastal cruising and has proven capable for offshore passages.
The ketch rig configuration on this vessel offers distinct mechanical and physical advantages. Because the sail area is split among three sails rather than two, each individual sail is physically smaller, lighter, and easier to handle. A key functional benefit of the ketch is the ability to drop the mainsail entirely when the wind kicks up, allowing the boat to sail under just a forward jib and the aft mizzen, keeping the sail plan balanced and the steering neutral and light, preventing severe weather helm. At anchor, a sheeted-flat mizzen sail acts like a wind vane, keeping the bow pinned directly into the wind and dramatically reducing draft and rolling in an exposed anchorage.
This full-keel Alberg-designed cruiser is equipped with roller furling, dodger with awning, and autopilot. The interior features a teak and holly sole. The original worm gear steering is powerful, foolproof, and requires no steering pedestal in the cockpit; the wheel holds the rudder in position without a brake. The top of the steering gear box also serves as a good helmsman's seat. The mizzen is stepped in the middle of the cockpit, allowing the steering wheel to be positioned aft without taking up usable space and providing a larger cockpit for guests.
