Ufo 34 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the UFO 34 lies in the competitive world of International Offshore Rule (IOR) racing. Her design was directly based on the highly successful IOR 3/4 Ton Cup racing yacht, "Unidentified Flying Object," which garnered significant acclaim, including winning the Royal Yacht Squadron's (RORC) Yacht of the Year in 1972. Production of the UFO 34 commenced in 1973, with over 150 units ultimately sold.

Holman & Pye's design philosophy for the UFO 34 aimed to create a robust and seaworthy yacht capable of undertaking offshore voyages, even in challenging conditions, while simultaneously delivering strong racing performance. This was a notable achievement, as many IOR-era designs were often criticized for quirky handling characteristics; however, the UFO 34 managed to largely overcome this, earning praise for its balanced and predictable behavior. While the hulls were molded by Colvic Craft, the finishing and sales were handled by Oyster Marine, with Landamores Yacht Builders contributing their expertise as key partners in the construction of Oyster's early fleet. Evidence suggests that while a standard layout existed, some boats were sold with unfinished interiors, leading to variations in the final accommodation quality and arrangement depending on subsequent owner fit-outs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The UFO 34's design ratios underscore its cruiser-racer pedigree. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 17.3, she is well-powered for her size, suggesting competent performance across a range of wind conditions, though not specifically optimized for extreme light air. Her impressive Ballast to Displacement Ratio of around 0.539 points to exceptional stiffness and stability, enabling the UFO 34 to stand up to a significant breeze and maintain her canvas effectively. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length Ratio of roughly 206 indicates a moderately weighted vessel, leaning slightly towards the performance end of the cruising spectrum rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser.

Anecdotal reports consistently describe the UFO 34 as a fast and inherently seaworthy vessel. Her fin keel and spade rudder configuration, typical of IOR designs of the era, contribute to responsive handling and good maneuverability. Owners frequently commend her ability to handle offshore conditions, even experiencing extreme weather without major issues, cementing her reputation as a reliable blue-water cruiser. The UFO 34 is equipped with a masthead sloop rig, a common choice that offers simplicity and an effective sail plan for a boat of her size.

Accommodations and Layout

While interior specifics can vary, particularly given that some UFO 34s were sold for self-completion, a typical layout aims for efficient use of space within her 11-foot beam. The interior is often characterized by quality joinery, providing a robust and traditional feel. Common arrangements include a private forward cabin with a double berth. The main salon typically features settees that can convert into berths, often accompanied by pilot berths above, contributing to a reported eight berths in some configurations. Headroom is generally generous for a boat of her vintage, reported to be around 190 cm (approximately 6.2 feet). A dedicated head compartment and a functional galley are standard. Fresh water capacity is noted at approximately 300 liters (around 79 gallons).

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the UFO 34 consistently praise the vessel for its solid construction and robust nature. Many consider them to be "solid cruisers," capable of tackling challenging seas with a comfortable motion. Her reputation as a seaworthy boat for offshore passages is frequently highlighted. While many examples on the market are now older, some owners note that they represent "very cheap fast sailing," though this often comes with the caveat that many older boats may require significant refurbishment or be "tired" and in need of attention. Generally, the core design and build quality are seen as enduring strengths, with common issues typically relating to the age of the boat rather than inherent design flaws.