The Columbia 29 Sailboat

Based on these ratios, the Columbia 29 is a moderate weight sailboat that is slightly underpowered for its size. It is very stable and stiff, with an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited for coastal cruising and moderate wind conditions.

The Columbia 29 is not in production anymore. Production ended in 1969, after eight years of manufacturing. A total of 687 hulls were built, including both the original MkI version and the later MkII version.

There were two main versions of the Columbia 29: the MkI and the MkII. The MkI was introduced in 1961 and had a traditional trunk cabin with a one-piece fibreglass headliner. The MkII was introduced in 1967 and had a redesigned trunk cabin to match the rest of the Columbia line of sailboats. The MkII also had a slightly increased ballast and displacement. Both versions shared the same hull, rig, and sail plan.

According to the sales material of the time, the Columbia 29 can sleep six people at a pinch, having two quarter berths, a forepeak double, and a convertible dinette. However, most owners would agree that four people is a more realistic number for comfortable sleeping arrangements.

The sailing press generally gave positive reviews to the Columbia 29, praising its design, construction, performance, and value. For example, Sail magazine wrote in 1970: "The Columbia 29 is one of those boats that has everything going for it -- good looks, good sailing characteristics, good accommodations -- and sells for a reasonable price."

The builders of the Columbia 29 were originally known as Glas Laminates Company, which was founded in California in 1958 by Dick Valdes and Bill Tripp Jr. The company started out by producing fibreglass camper tops, shower stalls, and chemical toilets. In 1961, they decided to enter the sailboat market with their first boat, the Columbia 29. The boat was so successful that they formed Columbia Yachts Corporation and adopted the Columbia name for their entire line of subsequent boats. By 1967, Columbia Yachts became the highest volume producer of fiberglass yachts in America.

However, in the early 1970s, the company faced financial difficulties due to increased competition from other builders, rising costs of materials and labor, and changing consumer preferences. In 1975, Columbia Yachts filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. The company was briefly revived in 1978 by Howard Hughes' Summa Corporation but soon went out of business again.

Today, there is no active company that produces or sells new Columbia sailboats. However, there are several websites and online forums dedicated to preserving the legacy of Columbia Yachts and providing support and information to current owners.

The Columbia 29 has a standard sloop rig, with a single mast and a single headsail. The reported sail area is 382 square feet, divided between a mainsail and a genoa or jib. Some owners have also added a spinnaker or a gennaker for downwind sailing. The mast height is about 36 feet above the waterline.

The Columbia 29 has a long keel with a cutaway forefoot and an attached rudder. The draft of the keel is four feet. There are no other keel options available for the Columbia 29.

The average asking price of a secondhand Columbia 29 varies depending on the condition, location, and equipment of the boat. According to some online listings, the price range can be from $5,000 to $15,000.

The Columbia 29 is comparable to other classic sailboats of its era, such as the Pearson Triton, the Alberg 30, the Cal 28, or the Bristol 27. All these boats share similar characteristics, such as moderate size, long keels, sloop rigs, and coastal cruising capabilities. However, each boat also has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the design, construction, performance, and comfort factors.

• For example, the Pearson Triton is lighter and faster than the Columbia 29, but also less stable and spacious.

• The Alberg 30 is heavier and sturdier than the Columbia 29, but also slower and harder to maneuver.

• The Cal 28 is more modern and spacious than the Columbia 29, but also less seaworthy and classic.

• The Bristol 27 is more elegant and refined than the Columbia 29, but also more expensive and rare.

Ultimately, the choice of sailboat depends on the personal preferences and needs of each sailor. The Columbia 29 is a good option for those who value quality, versatility, and history in their sailboats.

The designer of the Columbia 29 was Sparkman & Stephens, one of the most prestigious and influential naval architecture firms in the world. Founded in 1929 by Olin Stephens and Drake Sparkman, Sparkman & Stephens has designed hundreds of sailboats for racing, cruising, and military purposes. Some of their most famous creations include:

• Dorade: A 52-foot yawl that won several transatlantic races in the 1930s and set a new standard for ocean racing yachts.

• Stormy Weather: A 54-foot yawl that won several Bermuda races in the late 1930s and early 1940s and was considered one of the most beautiful yachts ever built.

• Finisterre: A 38-foot centerboard yawl that won three consecutive Bermuda races in the 1950s and revolutionized offshore cruising design.

• Intrepid: A 12-meter class yacht that won two America's Cup races in 1967 and 1970 and introduced innovations such as a separate rudder and skeg.

• Freedom: A series of innovative yachts that featured unstayed masts and wishbone booms in various sizes and configurations.

• S&S Swan: A series of high-performance cruising yachts built by Nautor's Swan in Finland since the late 1960s.