VANCOUVER 34
PRICE £50,000-£90,000 YEAR 1979-2012
Launched originally as a 32-footer she was extended in 1991, increasing the cockpit length to enable wheel steering to be fitted. The hull and deck were hand-laid-up with substantial reinforcement over her encapsulated keel, while her topsides and deck are a balsa sandwich and the hull/deck joint bolted and bonded.
Her masthead cutter rig has a deckstepped mast and swept spreaders to eliminate running backstays. A furling yankee was standard but not the staysail, although self-tacking was optional. Mainsail reefing lines usually terminated at the mast, though many opted for single-line reefing led aft. On deck, long handrails provide security going forward, as do raised bulwarks and Treadmaster non-slip.
Her cockpit is narrow and selfsteering essential as the primaries are a long way forward, the staysail sheets on the coachroof and the mainsheet on the bridge deck.
Below, the beautifully crafted woody interior feels warm and cosy. Her L-shaped galley is well arranged and large enough for a crew of four. Opposite, a forward-facing chart table has its own seat, although the backrest lifts off to extend the quarter berth.
Headroom in the saloon is 1.83m/6ft and there’s a 1.98m/6ft 5in-long straight settee to port, while the dinette opposite transforms into a skinny double by lowering the table.
Going forward, there’s a very spacious heads with a GRP moulding. The forecabin is also roomy with standing headroom, ample floorspace and a large hanging locker.
Though the V34’s sailing performance is modest in speed terms, she is powerful when pitted against a big sea. Her cutter sail plan’s efficient headsail slot allows her to point well, while remaining well balanced and effortless to sail.