AQUA 30

About the AQUA 30

S&S design #2014. Also known as the S&S 30. Some were imported to US and sold as the PALMER JOHNSON 30. Many thanks to Owen McCall, PJ-30 owner, for supplying information on the different versions of the S&S 30. (Rig dimensions from original designers sail plan which was changed several times.)

The Aqua 30 is a classic 1972 design by Sparkman & Stephens, built by Aquafibre Ltd in the UK. As the sole production year indicates, this is a limited-run vessel with an unknown total hull count, representing a specific snapshot of late-1970s British fiberglass construction.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who appreciate traditional S&S design aesthetics and moderate performance. Its dimensions and rigging are well-suited for couples or small families seeking a manageable masthead sloop for inshore waters.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 9000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.73, the Aqua 30 offers moderate stability for coastal passages, though its single-year production and limited fleet size suggest less documented bluewater history than mass-produced contemporaries.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include other early 1970s Sparkman & Stephens designs like the Cal 30 or Tartan 30, which share similar displacement and beam characteristics. It also aligns with other UK-built fin-keel sloops from the same era that prioritize balanced handling over extreme speed.