Ood 34 (Contessa) Information, Review, Specs

The Contessa Ood 34 was built by Jeremy Rogers Ltd. in Lymington, a period marked by significant growth and innovation for the British boatbuilder in the 1970s. The company was renowned for producing robust, beautifully finished yachts with a strong emphasis on performance, exporting a substantial portion of their output worldwide. The Ood 34 was a key part of this era, designed by Doug Peterson, who also contributed to other popular Contessa models such as the 28, 35, 39, and 43. Peterson's designs were integral to cementing the brand's standing for both aesthetic appeal and sailing prowess.

Initially, 80 units of the Ood 34 were built. Notably, an additional 20 units were later constructed featuring a different deck design and a more cruising-oriented interior, indicating a diversification in the model's appeal during its production run. This distinction highlights the builder's responsiveness to market demand, offering a more comfortable interior while retaining the hull's inherent performance. The Ood 34's design, with its fin keel and spade rudder, reflects the performance-focused trends of its time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contessa Ood 34's design ratios underscore its cruiser-racer intentions. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 18.72, the Ood 34 is capable of performing well in lighter air, indicating a good sail-carrying ability for its displacement. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio of about 0.453 suggests a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to more wind and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length Ratio, calculated at around 163.71, places it in the light-to-medium displacement category, contributing to its reputation for being a relatively fast boat for its size. The design features a fin keel and a spade rudder, both elements optimized for performance and control.

Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Contessa Ood 34 as a "well-proven offshore capable cruiser racer." It is often praised for being "light, fast and will go in a breath of wind, yet also safe in a blow." While some discussions suggest that it might be demanding to handle in changing conditions and potentially require a larger crew compared to some other designs, it is also noted as a significant improvement in hull and rig over its contemporary, the Contessa 35, offering enhanced robustness, ease of handling, speed, and seaworthiness. However, some owners have reported a tendency for heavy weather helm if the boat is overpressed with too much sail in strong winds. The Ood 34's theoretical hull speed is 7.09 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance orientation, the Contessa Ood 34 typically offers a practical and functional interior layout, designed to accommodate up to seven berths across two cabins. The maximum headroom is generally around 6 feet, 1 inch (1.85 meters or 195 cm), providing comfortable standing room for most individuals.

Forward, the boat usually features a forepeak cabin with folding berths to port and starboard, often utilized for sail stowage, along with a large hatch providing access to the foredeck. A molded heads compartment, equipped with a marine toilet and washbasin, is typically situated opposite a hanging locker.

The main saloon is arranged with settee berths and pilot berths outboard on both port and starboard sides, accompanying a large folding table with drop leaves. The galley is commonly found to port, equipped with a gimballed two-burner gas cooker including a grill and oven, a stainless steel sink with pressurized hot and cold water, an Isotherm fridge, and ample storage for provisions. Opposite the galley, a forward-facing chart table is located, complete with chart storage and a navigation electronics panel. A single quarter berth is typically found aft on the port side, which can often be extended with an infill to create a small double berth. The interior upholstery is often found in blue, and some vessels have been retrofitted with diesel-fired cabin heating for enhanced comfort. While some initial racing-focused OOD 34s might have had more austere interiors, the later cruising-oriented versions and many original boats have been upgraded, presenting a comfortable and functional living space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Contessa Ood 34 generally praise its robust construction and offshore capabilities, consistent with the reputation of Jeremy Rogers Ltd. Many owners appreciate the boat's ability to be "light, fast and will go in a breath of wind, yet also safe in a blow," making it suitable for both competitive sailing and secure cruising. The boat's design and build quality mean that many original systems may have aged, leading current owners to frequently undertake upgrades to engines, electronics, and rigging, enhancing their vessel's performance and modern amenities.

A commonly noted characteristic, though more aesthetic than functional, is the "hungry-dog effect"—visible ribs on the outer topsides of the hull—a typical appearance for many OOD designs of that era. While generally well-regarded for its seaworthiness, some owners have pointed out that the Ood 34 can develop heavy weather helm if overpressed, suggesting careful sail management in strong winds. The longevity and continued use of these yachts, even appearing in film sets, speak to their enduring appeal and solid construction.