CD30 ( ketch sailing performance )

[Alan Levy]

I have been researching the CD30 Ketch. I have had some great luck with information from this site. Thanks. Let me preface this by saying I am on an intensive learning curve about this boat and keeled boats in general. Although I have sailed many friend's boats, and own a small daysailor ( 19' Flying Scot ). I am eager to make the 'jump' to a larger classic style boat. Cape Dory's have caught my attention for the classic Carl Alberg style, and for being well built.

I want to know: How does the CD30 Ketch sail ? What wind is she best in ? In knots, how does she sail in an average day of wind ( 15mph )? Is she slow ? Is she sea-kindly ? Is she responsive to the helm ? What is her helm like ? Does she have desirable traits when under way ? How does she handle the sea (3'-6').

I guess what I am looking for is a synopsis of how the CD30 sails. I know she is a very well built boat, and considered heavy. I am not a racer, but I do like to 'feel' progress...

Lastly, how does the Cd 30' rate as far as a weekend cruiser ( or week cruise ) ? Is she spacious enough w/ the 9' beam ? Or, is it tight ?

Thanks ,

Alan



ABL1111@AOL.COM

[Tom Rankin]

I have been researching the CD30 Ketch. I have had some great luck with information from this site. Thanks. Let me preface this by saying I am on an intensive learning curve about this boat and keeled boats in general. Although I have sailed many friend's boats, and own a small daysailor ( 19' Flying Scot ). I am eager to make the 'jump' to a larger classic style boat. Cape Dory's have caught my attention for the classic Carl Alberg style, and for being well built.

I want to know: How does the CD30 Ketch sail ? What wind is she best in ? In knots, how does she sail in an average day of wind ( 15mph )? Is she slow ? Is she sea-kindly ? Is she responsive to the helm ? What is her helm like ? Does she have desirable traits when under way ? How does she handle the sea (3'-6').

I guess what I am looking for is a synopsis of how the CD30 sails. I know she is a very well built boat, and considered heavy. I am not a racer, but I do like to 'feel' progress...

Lastly, how does the Cd 30' rate as far as a weekend cruiser ( or week cruise ) ? Is she spacious enough w/ the 9' beam ? Or, is it tight ?

Thanks ,

Alan

You've asked a lot of questions! I've sailed my 77 CDK 30 for ten years, coastal cruising in Narragansett Bay & RI Sound. Have handled winds up to 35+ knots & seas upwards of 12 feet. Have never felt the least concerned for boat or self (though wife has threatened me several times!) CD 30K is not a racing machine & you will be left quickly by racers in light winds. They also point less well than sloops of the same size. However, when it dusts up, they are quite competitive in crusier 'happen-to-be-on-the-same-tack' races. I once 'raced' a Cal 30 up the bay under variable conditions: when the winds dropped below about 15, she forged ahead; when they gusted up to 18 or 20, I pulled ahead.

The other thing I love about the boat is that, once you get the sails balanced, she will self steer for hours close hauled or close reaching.
You can walk around the boat, make a sandwich, read a book, and she'll just jog along as nice as you please.

Off the wind and with a following sea, you'll want to drop your mizzen or you'll find yoursel steering yourself to death. With the effort well forward, however, she'll wing and wing quite nicely, with moderate attention to the helm.

In heavy weather and big seas, she rides like a duck. Very kindly, provided she's not overpowered. I use my lee rail as my guide: when it starts to dip, I reef. She'll slam along with the rail down, but you lose a lot of performance. Take in sail, she'll come and swim.

Good luck.. Feel free to email with other questions.

Regards,
Tom Rankin
tomr@trankin.com



tomr@trankin.com