The Pearson 30 is a true American classic — light, agile, and built with the spirit of performance cruising in mind. Designed by William Shaw and launched in the early 1970s, it quickly became a favorite among coastal sailors and club racers alike. But what if you're in Europe and searching for something with similar DNA?

After comparing several European designs, one boat stands out as the closest equivalent to the Pearson 30:

Dehler Optima 101 – The European Cousin

Built by the renowned German shipyard Dehler in the late 1970s and 1980s, the Optima 101 matches the Pearson 30 in both spirit and performance.

? Specifications

Length overall: 9.85 m (32.3 ft)

Beam: 3.18 m

Displacement: ~3,500–3,800 kg

Draft: 1.70 m (Fin keel)

Rig: Fractional or masthead sloop

Design: Sporty cruiser-racer with a purposeful look

? Why it’s so similar

Like the Pearson 30, the Optima 101 has a sleek hull, good upwind performance, and a light to moderate displacement.

Both boats are well-suited for coastal cruising, club racing, or weekend getaways.

They share a reputation for being sailor’s boats: easy to handle, responsive, and fun under sail.

The Optima 101 even offers a more modern rig layout and interior than the Pearson, making it appealing to sailors who want performance and comfort.

Other honorable mentions

If you can’t find a Dehler Optima 101, a few other European models come close:

Jeanneau Rush 31 – French-built, fast, and agile

First 30 (Beneteau) – Classic IOR-era performance with a cruising edge

Dufour 29 – Slightly heavier, but still balanced and capable

Conclusion

If you're in Europe and want a boat that delivers the same sailing joy and versatility as the Pearson 30, look no further than the Dehler Optima 101. It's a hidden gem among used boats — fast, stylish, and seaworthy, just like its American cousin.