Friendship 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Friendship 35 emerged from the Friendship Yachts shipyard, often associated with Meyer in Balk, a builder known for its "old style" craftsmanship. While the exact end year of its production is not specified, the model began production around 1980. This period saw Friendship Yachts, under the leadership of Anton and Hetty Meijer since 1968, consistently produce dependable cruising sailboats, embracing fiberglass as a durable and low-maintenance construction material. The company's vision was to create accessible, well-built yachts that offered both comfort and reliable performance for cruising enthusiasts.

Naval architect Jac. de Ridder (also known as Koos de Ridder or Jacobus de Ridder) is credited with the design of the Friendship 35. De Ridder's philosophy for the Friendship 35 leaned towards a "spacy hull design" that aimed for a balanced interior alongside its seaworthy capabilities. The vessel was offered with variations, including the option of a masthead rig and different keel configurations. While a deep draft fin keel (approximately 6.23 ft) was common, a shallow draft option (around 5.25 ft) was also available, catering to diverse sailing grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Friendship 35 is characterized by excellent sailing performance and balanced handling. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 22.16, she demonstrates good potential for performance in lighter air conditions, allowing her to move efficiently even when winds are gentle. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio of approximately 0.416 indicates a stiff and stable hull, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of around 261 suggests a moderate displacement vessel, positioning her as a capable cruiser that isn't excessively heavy, allowing for respectable speed without sacrificing comfort.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Friendship 35 for its fine sailing characteristics. Her deep draft keel, where fitted, contributes significantly to high-performance sailing within her class, enhancing her pointing ability and overall stability. The fin keel, coupled with a spade rudder, contributes to her renowned maneuverability, a trait consistently associated with Friendship designs.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Friendship 35 is designed for practical and comfortable cruising, offering a warm and nautical atmosphere typically finished with high-quality teak. The maximum headroom throughout the cabin is a generous 6.23 feet. The layout is generally well-balanced and practical, providing comfortable living spaces for extended periods on board.

Typically, the interior arrangement includes four fixed berths, with the possibility of converting saloon seating to create additional berths, accommodating up to six people in a 4+2 configuration. The vessel features a large front cabin and an aft cabin, providing private sleeping quarters. The saloon offers a comfortable area for dining and relaxation, complemented by high-quality cushions and mattresses. Storage is generally ample for cruising provisions and personal gear, and while specific details on ventilation require individual boat inspection, the overall design prioritizes livability for a cruising yacht of her size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Friendship 35 consistently highlight the boat's strengths, contributing to its enduring popularity as a family cruising yacht. The solid construction, a hallmark of Friendship Yachts, is frequently praised, assuring owners of a dependable and robust vessel. Many appreciate the practical layouts and the comfortable motion in various sea states, making for enjoyable passages. The fine sailing characteristics and good maneuverability are also commonly lauded, allowing for confident handling under sail. The enduring quality of the teak interiors and overall finish is often noted, with many examples on the brokerage market still presenting a beautiful and well-maintained appearance.