Friendship 34 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Friendship 34 was brought to life during a period when fiberglass construction had firmly established itself as the material of choice for durable, low-maintenance yachts. Friendship Yachts, under the leadership of Anton and Hetty Meijer since 1968, consistently focused on building accessible and well-performing cruising vessels. Their vision for the Friendship 34, produced from 1996 to 2001, aligned with their established reputation for prioritizing ease of handling, stability, and interior volume, qualities that resonated deeply with the cruising community.

Designed by Van der Stadt, the Friendship 34 features a fin keel and a spade rudder, hallmarks of designs that prioritize maneuverability and efficient hydrodynamics. Of the eight Friendship 34 units built, one notably featured a 7/8 fractional rig, while others sported a masthead rig, offering variations in sail plan and handling characteristics. Additionally, a shallow keel option was available, reducing the maximum draft from 5.74 feet to 4.26 feet, with a corresponding ballast adjustment. This adaptability reflects a design philosophy aimed at catering to diverse sailing grounds and owner preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Friendship 34 exhibits characteristics of a performance-oriented cruiser, as indicated by its design ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.34, she is well-equipped for good performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, suggesting an eager response to the wind. Her ballast to displacement ratio, at around 0.407, signifies a stiff and stable vessel capable of standing up to a good breeze without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Further emphasizing its lighter-to-moderate displacement profile, the Friendship 34's displacement to length ratio of approximately 217.45 places her on the performance side of the cruising spectrum. This suggests a yacht that is not overly heavy, contributing to more agile handling and potentially better speed compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers of similar length. The combination of a fin keel and spade rudder typically results in a boat with splendid maneuverability and a balanced helm, allowing for precise control and an enjoyable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior layouts for the Friendship 34 are not extensively documented in public resources, the vessel was designed with comfortable cruising in mind, a consistent theme across Friendship Yachts' models. The Friendship 34 offers a maximum headroom of 6.07 feet, providing ample standing room within the main cabin for most individuals.

Typical for a 34-foot cruising yacht of its era, one would expect a practical interior arrangement generally featuring a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Friendship Yachts were known for their robust construction and practical designs, implying a functional finish quality that prioritized durability and utility for extended voyages. Such vessels commonly offer adequate storage throughout, accommodating provisions and personal gear for coastal or even offshore cruising. While specific details on ventilation or material use are not readily available, Dutch builders generally incorporated good craftsmanship and durable materials in their interiors to withstand the marine environment.