Elizabethan 30

karl74

karl74

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Hi All,

I'm just wondering what the general consensus is on the Elizabethan 30?
As i am in the process of purchasing one. I have to admit it wasn't my first choice, that was a contessa 32 but I couldn't find a half decsent one within my budget. But when I saw the Elizabethan I just fell in love with it. My main intent of use is weeknd cruising and the occasional cruising holiday.
Karl.
 
I think you will get as good a boat for a lot less money than the contessa. They sail very well and seem to have just about as much room inside.

Yoda
 
Hi Yoda,

Thanks for your reply. I must admit I am looking forward to getting her in the water and giving her a try out before sailling her from Plymouth to W-S-M sometime in March.

Karl
 
They are a fine boat, if you can find a good clean one. As you seem well pleased with the condition of the one you have spotted, then you are onto a good thing.
When Sailing Today did a review of 30foot ish boats (28 to 32 foot I think) the Liz 30 took the honours. I think the bloke who did the research actually bought one.
It is probably true to say it has all the sailing vertues and vices of the Contessa but, as you have found, a smaller price tag.
 
Hi Doug,

Thats comforting to know. Yes it's condition is good and the survey was reassuring. A few little points but nothing to worry about. The boat is currently in a yard in Plymouth. The plan is to put her in the water at the begining of March sail her in the sound for a few days to get to know her and then sail her round to W-S-M

Karl
 
r_h said:
Sailing performance and qualities very similar to a Contessa 32, although my memory is the Elizabethan is smaller inside. Even the best are a lot cheaper than the Contessa 32 which can make them really great value.
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I agree they are smaller inside having looked at both, but I would say not by much. And yes it was half the price of a half desent contessa.
 
Lovely boats, I had one called Callisto of Parkstone in the '70s that is still about sailing in the wilds of Scotland I believe and is for sale so my son told me recently. Designer was David Thomas, later of Sigma fame and he owns one himself, says it all. It was the same size below as the Co32 just didn't have the overhangs and it was every bit as good if not better. I even have a half model of mine on the living room wall now.
 
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Wasn`t it an Elizabethan......

....that was hit by a whale in the Pacific and sank ...leaving the Baileys adrift for 117 days?..

I may be wrong..but I think thats what the boat was
 
Robin said:
Lovely boats, I had one called Callisto of Parkstone in the '70s that is still about sailing in the wilds of Scotland I believe and is for sale so my son told me recently. Designer was David Thomas, later of Sigma fame and he owns one himself, says it all. It was the same size below as the Co32 just didn't have the overhangs and it was every bit as god if not better. I even have a half model of mine on the living room wall now.
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Hi Robin,

I've seen a photo of your old boat. The current owners have a web site of their adventures. www.daveandshelby.eclipse.co.uk/callisto_elizabethan30.html Lovely looking boat and well looked after by the looks. I saw one of the original southampton test tank models of one for sale a few weeks back.

Karl
 
NOHOH said:
....that was hit by a whale in the Pacific and sank ...leaving the Baileys adrift for 117 days?..

I may be wrong..but I think thats what the boat was
Click to expand...
Not a Liz 30. Might have been one of the others, but don't think so.
Had one for 10 years. Splendid boat and quick!
 
Don't get distracted about stories of whales and sinkings. The Elizabethan 30 is a fine boat and if you have found a good example then I have not doubt that you will be very happy with her. Yoda knows what he is talking about too! They won't tack on a sixpence like some modern fin keelers, but they are not difficult and awkward to drive like some very long keelers either.
 
Don't worry i'm not put off by sinkings or the like. I've just spent the last 22yrs at sea on and off on the grey funnel line. And had my own boats since I was a lad so I'm not new to the sea but this is my first yacht. Now a landlubber so to speak I think I prefere a life at sea. Maybe once the kids have flown the nest I might go off cruising.
I've read the story of the Baileys on their 31' yacht "Auralyn" but I can't find where it mentions what type of boat she was.
I'm not looking to race her but just enjoy her and hope she looks after me.
So far all your comments have been positive which is good. I just can't wait to get her in the water and sail her.

karl
 
Thats right...

The Golden Hind was an Elizabethan boat......and the captain`s name was Charlie Drake
 
Tranona said:
No It was a Golden Hind. Nothing like an Elizabethan 30
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Aye, a Golden Hind 31 with bilge keels as well as a long shallow centre keel. I read the book many moons ago, and remember the Baileys commenting that after the whale knocked a hole in their hull (I think it would have been plywood, probably cascover sheathed?), they tried to apply a patch from the outside using a sail, but were hampered by the bilge keel being in the way.

Going back to Liz 30s, lovely boats (anything designed by David Thomas is difficult to find fault with) - Simon Jinks (ex Technical Editor of either YW or YM) used to have one, and I remember he seemed to be very happy with her.

Lots of photos re the Liz 30 in the Yachtsnet archives - http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/elizabethan-30/elizabethan-30.htm
 
There is some information on the Owners' Association web page here. I can probably put you in touch with a few more current owners near you if you are interested, although most are laid up at the moment (the boats that is). PM me or email via the EOA web site.

Having a 29 myself I'm biased, but the 30 is still a lovely boat, faster than the 29, noticeably more room below but still with a modest beam and freeboard and very pretty, even if it she doesn't have a proper long keel.

David (email EOAcommodore_at_hotmail.com)
 
r_h said:
Sailing performance and qualities very similar to a Contessa 32, although my memory is the Elizabethan is smaller inside. Even the best are a lot cheaper than the Contessa 32 which can make them really great value.
Click to expand...

Yes, it is more compact. Our old friend Yachtsnet has some good snaps which illustrate the key points:

http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives.htm

In the same way that mothers can tell their babies apart (the fuss they make when they get the wrong one), people who know about this style of boat know that there are significant differences. Not least the cost of course.

PS
I agree with the others, it is better to get a good example of a Liz then a rough 32 which could turn out to be very dear in the long run. Like all boats that have been let go, they take a great deal of effort to bring back.
 
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