Pearson Flyer 30

Description

The Pearson Flyer 30 is a lightweight, high-performance fractional sloop designed by William H. "Bill" Shaw for Pearson Yachts, produced from 1981 to 1983 as a versatile racer-cruiser prioritizing speed, simplicity, and fun for daysailing, club racing, and occasional overnights. Featuring a fin keel with transom-hung rudder for agile handling, a flush deck for clean aesthetics, and a generous sail plan in a low-displacement hull, it emphasizes thrilling performance over extensive cruising amenities, sleeping four in contoured berths with minimal headroom (under 6 ft). Powered by a compact BMW diesel, it was priced affordably at around $25,000 new, appealing to sailors seeking a "flat-out fast" boat that remains competitive without rule-driven obsolescence. Bill Shaw, Pearson's veteran in-house designer, created the Flyer as a deliberate backlash to the era's expensive, short-lived IOR racers, leveraging modern materials like balsa-cored construction and lightweight diesels for enduring value and one-design potential. Debuting in 1981 from Pearson's Portsmouth, Rhode Island facility under Grumman Allied Industries, it targeted the growing performance cruiser market with hand-laid fiberglass hulls emphasizing durability and low weight. Production was brief (1981–1983), totaling approximately 50–60 units before discontinuation as Pearson shifted focus; no variants like yawls or shoal keels were offered, but its PHRF competitiveness (average 144) fostered club fleets. Today, a niche community via the Pearson Yachts Owners Portal supports restorations and racing.