Olympic 42 Ketch: A Tank-Like Bluewater Cruiser in Dubrovnik (1977)

The Olympic 42 Ketch is a legendary 42-foot bluewater cruiser built in 1977, renowned for its spacious accommodations, solid construction, and excellent seakeeping capabilities. This performance cruiser offers a generous sail plan that delivers outstanding light-air performance, making it a true bluewater vessel capable of comfortable ocean passages.

This is a two-masted sailing yacht, built in Greece. All sails are in good condition, and two additional light-wind sails are included. The boat itself is in good shape; the cabins are clean and the bathrooms are fully functional. During the last Adriatic crossing, the engine failed and was deemed beyond repair. It has since been removed. A new or used engine will need to be installed — this will be the responsibility of the new owner. We were advised to opt for the Yanmar 4JH engine, which is available with a hydraulic gearbox for approximately €23,000 net. The yacht is currently located in Dubrovnik, on the dry dock at ACI Marina Komolac. It can be viewed there by prior appointment.

With a heavy-displacement hull and fin keel, the Olympic 42 is a "tank-like" cruiser designed for crossing oceans on a budget. While it lacks the speed and interior brightness of modern production boats, its structural integrity and balanced handling in a gale provide a level of security hard to find in newer, lighter designs.

Key specifications include a LOA of 42.25 ft, LWL of 33.17 ft, beam of 13.17 ft, and displacement of 23,750 lb.