Strider 35 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Strider 35 by Anstey Yachts began its production run in 1966. Anstey Yachts, founded by Russell and June Anstey around 1964, quickly became known for its commitment to modern fiberglass (GRP) construction and its collaboration with leading naval architects. The Strider 35 followed the success of their initial project, the Rustler 31, further solidifying their partnership with Holman & Pye, a firm recognized for its elegant and capable cruising yacht designs. The design philosophy behind the Strider 35 was ambitious: to produce a yacht that could compete effectively in the rigorous RORC One Ton class while still offering the seakindliness and robustness expected of an offshore cruiser. This objective led to a design that incorporated a fin keel and a masthead sloop rig, indicative of its performance aspirations. While Anstey Yachts produced various models, there are no widely documented significant variations (such as MkI/MkII or tall rig options) specifically for the Strider 35 monohull during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Strider 35's design specifications offer insights into its sailing characteristics. With a reported sail area of 533 square feet and a displacement of 13,500 pounds, it has a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.09. This figure suggests a boat with moderate light-air performance, likely requiring a bit more breeze to get going compared to lighter, more dedicated racers, yet capable of being powered up effectively as the wind builds.

A significant aspect of the Strider 35's design is its high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.537. This exceptionally high figure, with 7,250 pounds of lead ballast in a 13,500-pound boat, indicates a very stiff and stable vessel. Such a high ballast ratio means the boat will stand up well to its canvas in heavier winds, providing a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for both racing and offshore cruising.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 367.9, categorizes the Strider 35 as a heavy displacement vessel. While designed as an RORC One Ton racer, this high D/L ratio suggests a robustly built and solid boat rather than a lightweight speedster. This heavy displacement contributes to its stable motion and ability to handle challenging conditions, providing comfort and confidence for its crew. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Strider 35 offers a quick, responsive, and maneuverable sailing experience, particularly appreciated by those seeking a boat that handles well and exhibits a "speedy hull design."

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed interior specifications for the Strider 35, such as maximum headroom, are not extensively documented in available resources. However, as a 35-foot monohull designed in the mid-1960s with a racing pedigree, its accommodations would typically feature a functional layout suited for both offshore racing crews and cruising families of the era. Common arrangements for yachts of this size and period would likely include a V-berth forward, a marine head, a main salon with settees that could double as berths, a small galley, and potentially quarter berths aft. Given its RORC One Ton racing classification, the interior might lean towards a more utilitarian finish, prioritizing efficiency and storage for gear over luxurious amenities. While specific details on finish quality or materials are scarce, boats built by Anstey Yachts during this period were generally known for their quality fiberglass construction.