The Mälar 30 is a classic inshore/lake cruiser that blends timeless elegance with great sailing performance. The first M30 was launched in 1933, and since then, around 90 wooden and 40 fiberglass boats have been built, most of which are still sailing today. The boat model was designed by the renowned Lage Eklund and was intended to be a high-performance cruiser-racer, combining elegant lines with easy handling characteristics. Over the decades, the M30 has remained a beloved class among sailing enthusiasts, mainly in the Nordics, but smaller fleets are also based in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.
VIRELAY, Sail Number 118, was crafted in fiberglass by LG Birgersson in 1976. In 1990, she underwent a significant upgrade with a new cockpit and cabin made in solid mahogany by Schelin’s Boatyard, further enhancing her elegance. The interior cabin was rebuilt in mahogany by a skilled cabinet maker in 2002. Additionally, her fiberglass hull received a thorough and detailed restoration over several years, completed in 2018. The cockpit was upgraded once more in 2022 with a handmade main sheet base made in mahogany, allowing better accessibility. In 2022, the bow got a stainless steel protection and all cushions were replaced as were all covers. All flooring in solid teak. The result of these years of upgrades is a sailboat that not only looks impressive but also performs at the highest level.
Whether you are racing or cruising between islands, this boat will be a dream to sail. Her long, sleek hull provides a stable and balanced ride, keeping you constantly close to the water and the elements. On the racing course, she is so easy to handle that more focus can be placed on tactics and trim rather than boat handling. In an archipelago or on a lake, she becomes a beautiful and agile day cruiser for 2-4 people, with the possibility of overnight stays.
Unlike her counterparts, VIRELAY boasts an inboard engine, enabling smoother and more reliable manoeuvring in harbours compared to outboard engines. During races, the inboard engine can be easily lifted out, thanks to a clever design feature. Fully equipped for racing, VIRELAY has demonstrated her skill in the Swedish M30 championships multiple times, achieving two top-3 finishes.
The Mälar 30 class continues to thrive in Sweden, drawing around 20 boats annually to compete in the club regattas and championships. These races demonstrate how fast and agile the boats are, and also the skill of their sailors. Thanks to the one design class rules, all boats are maintained to a high standard, ensuring the honesty and fairness of the competition. VIRELAY also holds a measurement certificate for square metre SK30 racing (Skerry cruiser), enabling her to compete in both M30 and SK30 classes, highlighting her versatility across both categories.
When buying a Mälar 30/ SK30 you are not just buying a boat; it’s a lifestyle. These communities are known for their passion for sailing and is offering a supportive network of fellow enthusiasts and a calendar of events that bring owners together to celebrate their shared love of this iconic class.
VIRELAY is in perfect condition and has been lightly used by her current owner. She has been in the water only for 2-3 months a year and she’s now ready to provide you with sailing adventures that perfectly blend history, performance, and elegance. VIRELAY is a testament to Swedish craftsmanship that catches attention wherever she sails.
VIRELAY, named after a French medieval tune by her boatbuilder, has brought our family many happy moments over the years. We’ve sailed her with friends and family, making wonderful memories on the water. We’ve have also raced her in the Swedish National Championships, teaming up with one of her original owners.
When she’s not cutting through the waves, VIRELAY graces our jetty like a piece of jewellery during the summer, always a beautiful sight and a source of pride for us.
Kim Silfving
Berthon Scandinavia
Tel: +46 739 960 849
E-Mail: kim.silfving@berthonscandinavia.se
