A 35 (Archambault) Information, Review, Specs

Built by Archambault Boats, a company founded by Emmanuel Archambault in 1959, the A 35 carries forward a legacy of fiberglass construction focused on light, stiff, and fast hulls. The A 35 is arguably one of their most successful designs, solidifying Archambault's place as a top-tier performance builder and winning numerous international and national championships.

History and Design

The Archambault A 35 was first launched in 2006, with production continuing until 2013. Throughout its operational history, Archambault collaborated closely with naval architects Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt of Joubert Nivelt Design, a partnership that yielded a long line of innovative and competitive designs. The A 35 exemplifies their shared design philosophy, which prioritized performance-oriented racer-cruisers optimized for the IRC rule. This focus meant the A 35 was conceived with efficient foils and a strong emphasis on speed, without entirely sacrificing the amenities needed for cruising.

While specific design goals for the A 35 included creating an "IRC gem," the broader Archambault ethos during its production era was to craft yachts that offered competitive speed and lively performance alongside well-built hulls and responsive handling. The A 35 also saw a refined version known as the A35R and A35RC, indicating minor evolutions during its production run. The builder's dedication to quality meant that boats like the A35 were exceptionally well-finished, especially in later series builds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Archambault A 35 is a thoroughbred sailing machine designed with an emphasis on racing, yet capable of comfortable cruising. Its performance characteristics are evident in its design ratios:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp): With a reported sail area of 726.56 sq ft and a displacement of 9811 lbs, the calculated SA/Disp ratio is approximately 22.1. This relatively high ratio suggests that the A 35 is a powerful boat for its size, indicating strong performance in light air and the ability to accelerate quickly.
• Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp): The A 35 carries 4387 lbs of lead ballast for a displacement of 9811 lbs, resulting in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.44. This high ratio points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining its sail plan effectively even in challenging conditions.
• Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL): With a displacement of 9811 lbs and a waterline length of 30.48 ft, the A 35's displacement to length ratio is approximately 177. This relatively low number categorizes the A 35 as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel, suggesting agility and efficiency through the water.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the A 35 for its responsive handling and balance. It is noted for its ability to perform exceptionally well inshore and achieve good results offshore, proving very competitive in IRC racing. The A 35's wide beam, carried aft, contributes to a generous cockpit and provides good control. Early models reportedly had some minor handling issues, which were addressed with changes to the rudder. Overall, the A 35 is considered an "easy to handle" boat, offering superb overall quality and performance.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily a performance-oriented racer, the Archambault A 35 also incorporates amenities suitable for cruising, positioning itself as a legitimate racer-cruiser. The interior, with a maximum headroom of 6.07 feet, offers a functional layout that can vary depending on whether the boat was ordered as a racing or a more cruising-oriented version.

Typically, the A 35 features a layout with a V-berth forward, a head, a saloon with settees and a central table, and a galley. The wide beam carried aft allows for a generous full-berth cabin beneath the cockpit. The interior woodworking is often in Moabi mahogany, providing a warm and traditional finish. While the emphasis might be on racing, the A 35's internal setup is designed to provide the necessary amenities for full-fledged cruising, balancing competitive requirements with a degree of comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often highlight the Archambault A 35's strong sailing pedigree, lively performance, and robust construction. It is frequently lauded as one of the finest production crossover boats, blending racing prowess with cruising capability. The A 35 has garnered a reputation for being a very competitive boat in IRC, achieving numerous victories in regattas and championships.

However, some owners have noted potential issues with earlier models regarding internal hull cracks, which some have addressed with strengthened carbon keel reinforcements. Another reported concern, though less frequent, involves the gooseneck failing on some A 35s. Despite these potential issues, the A 35's lasting appeal is evident in its continued presence on the used yacht market and the vibrant community of owners who actively participate in class racing and online forums dedicated to maintaining and optimizing these renowned vessels. Owners consistently praise its overall quality and its ability to deliver a rewarding sailing experience, whether for racing or family cruising.