The HiP30 One-Design

A stylish gentleman’s racer

This sleek and sexy sportsboat designed for High Performance Yachts Ltd in 2004 was intended to “create and set the latest trends” as part of that company’s mission to offer a range of distinctive high performance sailing yachts.  

The design objectives were to combine striking aesthetics and exhilarating performance with ease of handling under sail, both single-handed or with a crew of three (and up to six).  A lifting keel and removable rudder facilitate launching and recovery operations.

In her first year, the prototype of the HiP30 sportsboat design was raced in the south of France. Helmed by local sailmaker Didier Fabre she not only won her class in the Regate en Solitaire at St. Maxime in early June 2005, but she also won the whole event from a competitive fleet of 28 boats.  And there was also a win for this yacht in the mixed crew event later in the year.

Originally built by race boat specialists Harley Racing Yachts of Cowes and now built by a specialist boat-builder on a semi-custom basis, the HiP30 can be supplied (i) as a grand-prix boat using the latest composite materials, carbon fibre spars and “state of the art” sail materials, (ii) as a luxury boat with teak deck and leather interior, or (iii) with a more modest fit-out at lower cost. Both inboard diesel saildrive or petrol outboard options are available.

Not only is the HiP30 very fast and responsive with great acceleration, this lovely yacht is also beautifully balanced with excellent control from the high-aspect ratio rudder.  The bulb keel and carefully designed hull sections give the boat impressive stability making her comfortable for both cruising and racing.

Inside the cabin there is attractive accommodation for 3-4 in a carefully-coordinated interior design scheme. Overall the HiP30 matches the style of a high-performance sports car, being long, slim, stylish  and sexy. It is also surprisingly affordable.  

The HiP30 is available as a finished yacht or as a set of GRP mouldings for home completion. Prices start at just £9000. Various options are available at additional cost including a 9hp inboard diesel engine installation.