A Chesapeake Classic: The Alberg 30
Suited for both racing and cruising, the Alberg 30 is a classic.
In the early 1960s Whitby Boat Works, Ltd. commissioned Carl Alberg to design a 30-foot version of his very popular Pearson Triton. Kurt Hansen believed that his Canadian company could build the 30-foot boat for the same price as the 28-foot Triton duty paid in the United States. Some changes were made—the rig was converted to masthead and the ballast was changed to cast iron. The first Alberg 30 was launched in the summer of 1962.
In 1963 this new design was selected by a Washington, DC, area group of 15 sailors headed by Bud Tomlin, Saul Serota, and Boyce Beville. Jack Martin assembled a group of 10 Annapolis area sailors who independently selected the same beautiful craft in 1964. As the boats were delivered during 1965, Martin organized the two groups into a one-design racing-cruising fleet. They wrote bylaws, and the Chesapeake Bay Alberg 30 One-Design Association was born. The early members served the association well, and by 1973 it had grown to 141 boats.
Of course, there are fewer Alberg 30s sailing on the Chesapeake today, but go to any big regional regatta and you’ll find a small fleet gracefully crossing the start line. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay Alberg 30 One-Design Association. Within the pages of SpinSheet, you will find more photos, stories, and memories as Alberg sailing families share their salty tales about their beloved boats. Stay tuned.
