Nightwind 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Nightwind 35 dates back to 1980, marking her first recorded build by Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding. The yard, formally established that same year, quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to durable construction, primarily utilizing fiberglass for its hulls and decks. This ethos aligned well with designer Bruce Kirby's practical approach to naval architecture. While Kirby is widely celebrated for his highly successful dinghy designs like the Laser, his foray into larger cruising and racing yachts, such as the Nightwind 35, aimed to translate his performance insights into stable and capable offshore boats. The Nightwind 35, with its fiberglass hull utilizing Airex core and a Klegecell cored deck, exemplifies the builder's focus on sturdy, low-maintenance construction, a hallmark that distinguished Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding during its operational period. The design incorporated a versatile keel/centerboard configuration, a pivoting lifting keel that allows the boat to navigate both shallow inland waters and deeper coastal passages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nightwind 35 exhibits a well-balanced set of performance characteristics for a vessel of her size and era. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.13, she suggests capable performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, indicative of a design that doesn't shy away from spirited sailing. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 43.8% points to a stiff and stable platform, allowing her to stand up to a breeze with confidence and provide a secure motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 229.2 places the Nightwind 35 firmly in the medium-displacement category, striking a balance between a light, nimble racer and a heavy, traditional cruiser. Owners and those familiar with the design describe her as a comfortable cruiser that can also perform well, even achieving a PHRF rating of 114 when seriously raced. The keel/centerboard design offers flexibility, allowing for improved windward performance with the board down and reduced draft for access to shallow anchorages with the board up.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the interior layout of the Nightwind 35 are not extensively documented in public search results, she is noted for offering a comparatively spacious interior for a boat of her size, being described as "more spacy than 69% of all other designs" of similar sailboats. The design is equipped with a water capacity of 50 US gallons, suggesting provisions for extended cruising. Typically, a sailboat of 35 feet designed as a cruiser-racer from this era would feature a conventional layout: a forward V-berth cabin, an enclosed head, a salon with opposing settees (often convertible to berths) and a centerline table, a galley area usually aft to port or starboard, and potentially a quarter berth. Given the builder's reputation for robust construction, the interior finish would likely have emphasized functionality and durability, utilizing materials common in the early 1980s, such as fiberglass liners combined with wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Feedback from Nightwind 35 owners, though not broadly aggregated in accessible reviews, indicates a general appreciation for the boat's design and build quality. Owners often discuss modifications and improvements, suggesting a strong community interest in maintaining and enhancing these unique vessels. While not explicitly detailed as common problems or universal strengths, the fact that some units have been "very well maintained throughout and raced regularly" suggests a durable construction capable of standing up to demanding use. The overall sentiment points to the Nightwind 35 being a capable and comfortable vessel, fitting its dual role as a cruiser and a club racer.