Ridas 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Ridas 35 has an interesting lineage, originally designed by Guy-Christer Lönngren under the name "Guyline 355". While initial production under the Guyline name appears to have been very limited, Ridas Yachts, an Estonian builder established in 1993 with a strong focus on advanced composite materials, subsequently took on the full production of this model, renaming it the Ridas 35. Production commenced in 1996, with approximately 30 units built by Ridas Yachts. Ridas Yachts, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and robust construction, applied its expertise in fiberglass and composite techniques to the Ridas 35, ensuring a durable and low-maintenance hull. Guy-Christer Lönngren himself is a recognized Finnish designer, with his own firm, Guy Design Group, underlining the professional design pedigree of the vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ridas 35 is designed as a sport cruiser, a designation supported by its performance ratios and hull characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.40, she demonstrates good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air. This suggests a boat that can be responsive and engaging to sail without requiring significant wind to get moving. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 198.15 indicates a relatively light and performance-oriented design for her length, further reinforcing her "sport cruiser" identity.

The ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/Disp) of roughly 0.356 suggests a reasonably stable boat, capable of standing up to a decent breeze, though not exceptionally stiff compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers. The Ridas 35 features a modern fractional sloop rig and a bulb keel, enhancing her efficiency and upwind performance. Her fiberglass hull and spade rudder contribute to good handling and maneuverability. Classified with a CE Certification Class A, the Ridas 35 is deemed suitable for extended voyages and offshore conditions, reflecting its robust construction and design for challenging environments.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance orientation, the Ridas 35 offers a practical and comfortable interior layout. It is typically configured with three guest cabins, providing ample sleeping arrangements for a boat of its size, and a single rudder. While specific details on the interior finish and precise cabin arrangements are not widely publicized, Ridas Yachts' overall reputation for quality and expertise in composite construction suggests a well-finished and durable interior. The use of fiberglass for the hull and deck also typically implies an interior that is easy to maintain.