Nordship 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The origins of the Nordship 35 are rooted in Lars Buchwald's vision, which began to crystallize in 1988 with the acquisition of the Nordship name. This marked the inception of a dedicated program to introduce deck saloon yachts, aiming for comfortable and safe long-distance voyaging. The Nordship 35, introduced in 1995, exemplified this focus, being built in fiberglass with a solid hull and deck. While initially a traditional sloop, a significant evolution occurred during its production run when it was adapted to incorporate a deck saloon, becoming known as the Nordship 35 DS. This move aligned the model with Nordship's overarching philosophy of creating high-quality, custom yachts in small series, emphasizing the elevated saloon for panoramic views and an abundance of natural light below deck.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nordship 35 is designed as a capable cruiser, balancing performance with comfort. With a reported sail area of 670 square feet and a displacement of 11,795 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio calculates to approximately 20.73. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Nordship 35 should perform well in lighter air conditions, being able to generate good speed even with modest breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at approximately 41.1%, indicating a stiff and stable yacht capable of standing up to a good amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio, at around 270.27, places the Nordship 35 in the category of heavier cruising boats, which typically translates to a more robust build and a smoother ride through choppy waters rather than outright light-displacement speed. The boat features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a combination known for providing excellent maneuverability. Overall, Nordship yachts are generally described as nimble and rewarding to sail, offering a healthy turn of speed despite their comfort-oriented design.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the Nordship 35's interior layout require further investigation through individual boat listings, Nordship Yachts are consistently lauded for their luxurious, high-quality, and handcrafted interiors, often featuring significant customization options for owners., 8] The design philosophy centers on maximizing comfort and liveability, particularly with the characteristic deck saloon configuration, which became a prominent feature of the 35. This raised saloon provides exceptional panoramic views from within the yacht and contributes to an abundance of natural light in the cabins, enhancing the sense of space. The hull design itself was intended to be "significantly more spacy," suggesting a generous interior volume for a boat of its size. Typical arrangements would likely include multiple cabins, a functional galley, and a head, with a focus on quality materials and ample storage to support comfortable long-distance voyaging. Owners of Nordship yachts often have considerable input into the design and layout of their specific vessel.