Red Admiral 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Red Admiral 36 emerged during a pivotal era for fiberglass boatbuilding, with its production run from 1978 to 1984. Its design by Holman & Pye was notably influenced by the requirements of the Fastnet Race, indicating an inherent focus on offshore performance and safety. This design philosophy aligned well with Halmatic Ltd.'s reputation for producing exceptionally robust, durable, and seaworthy fiberglass hulls. Halmatic, founded by Patrick de Laszlo in 1952, pioneered the use of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) and became the go-to partner for many leading builders, including Camper & Nicholsons and Moody's, who sought to leverage Halmatic's specialized knowledge in composite construction to transition from traditional materials.

While Halmatic excelled at molding hulls for other brands, the Red Admiral 36 was one of the vessels molded under its own direct association, though often finished by various yards, a common practice for Halmatic's semi-completed offerings. The design is noted to be similar in appearance to the Oyster 37, suggesting a shared aesthetic and possibly a similar underlying hull form from Holman & Pye's portfolio. The vessel features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, indicative of a design aimed at both good directional stability and maneuverability. Records indicate that fewer than ten Red Admiral 36s were ultimately built as this specific model, making it a relatively rare yacht.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Red Admiral 36 is configured as a fractional sloop, a rig choice often favored for its control and efficiency. Interpreting her specifications reveals a yacht balanced for both spirited performance and comfortable cruising. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.53, she suggests a respectable performance potential, particularly in lighter air conditions, allowing her to move well without excessive wind.

Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.466 indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability. This substantial ballast ratio suggests the Red Admiral 36 is well-equipped to stand up to a significant amount of wind, providing a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway, a hallmark of well-built offshore-capable yachts. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 221.6, places her firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser. This implies a yacht that is neither overly light and tender nor excessively heavy and ponderous, striking a good balance for cruising while maintaining an engaging sailing experience. Anecdotal reports praise her "sparkling performance," underscoring her ability to deliver an enjoyable ride.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for every Red Admiral 36 may vary due to the practice of different yards completing the fit-out, general observations suggest a practical and comfortable layout befitting a cruising yacht of its size. The design likely incorporates a V-berth forward, a main salon area, a galley, and a navigation station, typical of yachts from this era. Crucially, the design includes an aft cabin, which is a significant feature for a 36-foot vessel, enhancing privacy and increasing the liveaboard appeal.

The cockpit area, main companionway, and bridgedeck are often highlighted as well-designed and highly functional, providing a safe and efficient space for sailing and lounging. Storage capacity for water is ample, with an 80-gallon tank, supporting extended periods away from shore, while a 26-gallon fuel tank provides sufficient range for auxiliary engine use. While maximum headroom details are not universally available, the overall volume is expected to be comfortable for average-height individuals throughout most of the interior. The quality of finish would have largely depended on the specific completing yard, but the underlying Halmatic hull provided a solid foundation.