Designed by George Olson and built by Pacific Boats in the early 1980s, the Olson 29 earned a devoted following among West Coast racing sailors looking for a fast, lightweight performer without the complexity of larger offshore machines. Part of a celebrated family of designs that includes the iconic Olson 30, the 29 shares the same DNA of minimalist construction and hull speed that made these boats legendary on the Pacific racing circuit. Built with a focus on performance over comfort, the Olson 29 is best suited to spirited coastal racing and day sailing rather than extended bluewater passages. Its lightweight fiberglass construction and clean hull form allow it to plane in the right conditions, making it a genuinely exciting boat to sail in a breeze. The design rewards active, skilled crews who enjoy working the boat hard. For buyers researching a budget-friendly entry into competitive racing, or those simply wanting a responsive and rewarding coastal sailer, the Olson 29 represents a compelling option with an established class presence and a strong reputation for pure sailing fun.
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What is the Olson 29's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Olson 29 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 24.93. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Olson 29's comfort ratio?
The Olson 29 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 10.09. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Olson 29 safe for offshore sailing?
The Olson 29 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.44. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Olson 29?
The theoretical hull speed of the Olson 29 is 7.03 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Olson 29 weigh?
The Olson 29 has a displacement of 3,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 29.67 ft.
Who designed the Olson 29?
The Olson 29 was designed by George Olson, first built in 1984.