Defender 35 Information, Review, Specs

The Defender 35 was in production from 1978 to 1985, with a very limited number of just nine units built by Dekker & Sons in Amsterdam. Eva-M. Hollmann, the boat's designer, brought a background honed through experience with prominent naval architects such as Britton Chance and Gary Mull, before establishing her own firm in 1975. Her design for the Defender 35 aligned with the prevailing philosophy of IOR 3/4 ton racers of the era, which aimed for superior all-round performance through characteristics like increased sail area and greater beam, departing from some earlier IOR designs. Dekker & Sons, known for their sturdy and reliable fiberglass production sailboats, applied their construction ethos to the Defender 35, ensuring a robust build in fiberglass with a solid deck. The small production run suggests a focus on quality rather than mass appeal, and there is no widely documented evidence of significant variations or mark changes during its brief production period.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Defender 35's design intent as an IOR 3/4 ton racer is clearly reflected in its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.29, the Defender 35 is indicative of a boat designed for good performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions, where it should exhibit responsiveness. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.466 points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 163.0 classifies it as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its length. These metrics suggest the Defender 35 is a good performer and is noted for being a very stable and stiff sailboat. The fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder configuration also contributes to its performance-oriented nature, providing efficient hydrodynamics for racing while maintaining good control.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the Defender 35's interior accommodations is limited, reflecting its rarity and age. However, auction listings indicate the boat typically offered six berths, suggesting a practical layout for its size designed to accommodate a crew or family. Given the era of its construction by Dekker & Sons, interiors of similar vessels often featured a blend of functional fiberglass moldings with warm wood trim, prioritizing durability and practicality for sailing. Details on specific cabin arrangements, galley facilities, head compartments, and storage solutions are not extensively documented in publicly available sources.