Robb 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Robb 35 emerged from Arthur Robb's design philosophy, which favored balanced hull forms that were full forward and gradually leaned aft. His work, including the Robb 35, was often categorized as designs for capable cruising/racing yachts. Cheoy Lee Shipyard, with its deep roots in maritime craftsmanship dating back to 1870, began diversifying into pleasure craft in the mid-1950s, quickly making elegant teak sailing and motor yachts the majority of its output by the mid-1960s, with a significant export market in the United States. (Builder Article)

The Robb 35 perfectly embodied Cheoy Lee's ethos of delivering dependable products crafted with innovative design and exceptional skill. She was strongly built of first-class materials, notably featuring a teak hull and exquisite teak interior joinery. During its production run, the Robb 35 was offered as both a sloop and a yawl, with the yawl rig noted for its ease of handling, even for single-handed sailing. Closely related to the Robb 35, the Arthur Robb Lion Class is often considered a sister ship or variant, sharing many characteristics. The Lion Class achieved notable success as a racer, with a sister ship famously winning the challenging Sydney-Hobart Race in both 1959 and 1960, underscoring the inherent racing capabilities within Robb's designs. The Lion Class was available in both deep and shallow draft configurations, with deeper versions offering enhanced nimbleness due to a reasonably cut-away forefoot.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Robb 35's design characteristics translate into a distinctive sailing experience. With a displacement of 14,880 lbs on a waterline length of 24.0 feet, she possesses a high Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 480.5. This places her firmly in the category of heavy displacement cruisers, indicative of a solid, comfortable motion in a seaway. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of about 15.39 suggests a moderate performer, capable in a range of conditions, yet not specifically designed for extreme light-air racing, despite some owners reporting "excellent light-air performance" for the yawl variant, likely relative to other heavy displacement boats of her era.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.315, combined with her long keel hull type, contributes to a stable and forgiving nature. Owners generally describe the Robb 35 as easy to handle under sail, particularly with a main and jib. Her long keel ensures excellent directional stability and tracking, making her a comfortable vessel for long passages, though this characteristic also means she will be less nimble in tight maneuvering situations than modern fin-keel designs. As a classic racer-cruiser, the Robb 35 is celebrated for her seaworthiness and ability to undertake both extensive crossings and shorter trips.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications for the Robb 35 varied over its production, the enduring quality of Cheoy Lee's craftsmanship is evident throughout. Interiors typically feature rich teak joinery, often adorned with hand-carved knees and brass fittings, creating a warm and traditional yachting ambiance.

The layout generally includes seating fore and aft over lockers on each side, offering practical storage solutions. Despite her 35.5-foot length overall, the internal space is more characteristic of classic designs, which tend to have less volume below deck compared to modern boats of similar length. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the emphasis was on functional and well-crafted spaces. Essential amenities, such as a separate sink with a foot pump for freshwater, were standard, providing a functional galley setup. Some vessels may exhibit unique interior layouts, reflecting customization during their initial build or subsequent owner modifications.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Robb 35 consistently praise the vessel's robust construction and the lasting quality of its materials. Many describe their boats as a "labor of love," highlighting the dedication often involved in maintaining these classic wooden yachts. The general sentiment surrounding Cheoy Lee's sailing yachts is overwhelmingly positive, with owners lamenting the builder's eventual pivot away from the sailboat market.

Common maintenance considerations for a vessel of this age and construction type often revolve around the external varnish work, which requires regular attention to preserve the aesthetic and integrity of the teak. While the hull is wood, owners of similar classic composite Cheoy Lee vessels have noted the importance of preventing freshwater ingress into joints in the superstructure and between wood and fiberglass components to avoid potential issues. This general advice on preventing water intrusion is pertinent for any older boat, especially those with wood decks, to prevent degradation. The active community of Robb 35 owners and enthusiasts further underscores the enduring appeal and support network for these cherished classic sailboats.