ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER
HALLBERG RASSY 34
Designed by German Frers and launched in 1990, the HR34 was the first of a new range of Hallbergs created to attract customers looking for a more modern, performanceorientated yacht, whilst retaining that legendary ‘Swedish classic’ look much loved by traditionalist sailors.
The HR34’S hulls are hand laid-up using isopthalic resin in the gelcoat and outer laminate and incorporate a PVC foam sandwich above the waterline and in the deck.
A laminated floor grid increases stiffness and supports the keel, above which are the stainless-steel fuel and freshwater tanks. The skeg-hung rudder has roller bearings and the rudder post is solid stainless steel, while her mast is deck-stepped and very securely supported.
The deep and roomy cockpit is protected by high coamings and a fixed windscreen, which has grab rails each side and an opening centre window for ventilation.
Initially, she had a traditional retroussé transom, but in 1994 a bathing platform and gate was added and the forward end of the cockpit moved slightly aft to make more space below.
The light mahogany joinery below is superb, with neatly laminated edgings and counters, and louvred locker fronts. Early
layouts had a longitudinal galley opposite the dinette but after the interior was ‘stretched’ she had a longer saloon, a larger navigation area and a more sea-friendly L-shaped galley. Both fore and aft cabins offer generous berths and plenty of useful stowage.
As well as being stiff in a strong breeze, thanks to a near 40% ballast ratio, in light airs she remains quick, responsive and well balanced. All sail controls are led aft, within reach of the helm, and the fully battened mainsail has single-line reefing, making her particularly easy to single-hand.
The engine installation is smooth and quiet, with the original shaft drive changed to a quieter sail drive at some point. Close-quarter manoeuvrability is effortless and undramatic.
BARBICAN 35
Designed by Holman & Pye, creators of the famous Stella, Seamaster, Hustler, Super Sovereign, early Oysters and many more accomplished ocean cruisers, the Barbican 35 is a highly sought-after ocean cruiser.
Built between 1979-1992, she is a traditional, seakindly, heavy displacement cruising yacht that utilised the hull of the earlier Super Sovereign 35 ketch, though modernised and with a more efficient masthead sloop rig. Other than the hull dimensions and the long, encapsulated lead keel, the two boats look quite different, thanks to the Barbican’s sleeker coachroof.
Her all-lead ballast means her draught is moderate, however with a ballast ratio of 35% and a conservative sail plan she is stiffer under sail than similar yachts.
Below she is fitted out traditionally, with two settees that convert into ideal sea berths with lee boards/cloths. She has a sensiblysized chart table, good food preparation and cooking facilities and enough stowage to hide away a few months’ cruising provisions.
On deck, she has wide side decks and plenty of handrails. The foredeck is uncluttered and has chunky cleats, a stout Samson post and twin chain rollers.
The cockpit is offshore friendly with high coamings. Though it narrows aft, there are no seats near the wheel, so access isn’t a problem. She sails exactly as any heavy long keeled cruising yacht should, with a gentle rocking motion and a determined, undramatic and steadfast attitude.
In all, she is a powerful, but seakindly ocean cruiser that would get you home safely in all weathers.
ISLAND PACKET 350
The successor to the IP35, the 350 extended this US yard’s reputation for creating roomy, luxurious, rock-solid world cruising yachts by refining and updating numerous aspects of the original 35, including a brand new interior layout.
She has a full-length encapsulated keel with no cutaway forward so, though she might be somewhat ponderous when tacking, there are no keel bolts to worry about. The generous buoyancy created by her high topsides and superstructure, added to the significant form stability provided by wider, flatter underwater sections aft, results in a very stable platform going to windward.
Build quality is exceptional and the interior, with an abundance of warm teak joinery, feels huge for a 35-footer. IP has squeezed in two large double berths, a large galley, a heads and a saloon big enough to entertain six with ease.
On deck she has a spacious and deep cockpit with good stowage and easily handled sail controls. Decks are wide and clear, handrails excellent and the long bow plank increases the foretriangle sail area.
Rigged as a cutter, the staysail is selftacking and has IP’S trademark Hoyt boom, allowing it to be trimmed very flat in high winds. Although she looks and feels likely to be a little slow under sail, in fact she’s reasonably quick for this type of world cruiser. She can battle through adverse conditions under triple-reefed main and staysail, making ground to windward up to a Force 10 storm. Running downwind her long keel comes into its own, keeping her steadfastly on course.