Bolero 35.5 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Bolero 35.5 occurred at a pivotal time for Robertson and Sons Ltd., a company with a century-long legacy in yacht building. Founded in 1876 by Alexander Robertson, the Scottish yard had built a formidable reputation for meticulous craftsmanship, particularly in wooden construction, and for producing high-performance racing yachts, including America's Cup challengers like Sceptre. The Bolero 35.5's production run from 1979 to 1981 coincided with the yard's final years of operation, as Robertson and Sons ceased its shipbuilding activities in 1980. This period also marked a significant transition for the builder, as they had embraced modern construction techniques, commencing the building and finishing of fiberglass boats on their premises in 1976. Thus, the Bolero 35.5 stands as one of the fiberglass creations from the twilight of a storied shipbuilding firm. The design itself was rooted in the highly competitive IOR 1-ton rule, indicating its clear performance aspirations from the outset.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bolero 35.5 boasts sailing characteristics that reflect its racing heritage while offering a capable platform for cruising. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.41, she is likely to exhibit a moderate level of performance in lighter winds, capable of moving well without being overly sensitive. Her displacement to length ratio of around 211.88 categorizes her as a moderately heavy, yet performance-oriented vessel for her size, suggesting a solid feel and good momentum through the water. The boat is equipped with a deep fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration typically indicative of good directional stability and responsiveness. Owners and reviewers describe the Bolero 35.5 as a "very quick and capable boat," noting that its sizeable fractional rig contributes to a "good turn of pace and performance." While specific ballast weight information is not publicly published to calculate the ballast-to-displacement ratio, the boat features lead ballast, which generally contributes to a lower center of gravity and thus enhances stability.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its racing-derived design, the Bolero 35.5 also offers a comfortable and remarkably spacious interior for its size. The general consensus from owners and reviews highlights its generous living quarters, making it suitable for extended stays or family cruising. While detailed interior layouts vary by specific boat, the typical arrangement would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. Some accounts even suggest the possibility of accommodating "supposedly 9 berths," though this number should be considered in the context of race crew capacity rather than comfortable long-term cruising for a large group. The boat's design prioritizes a functional and livable space, aligning with its dual cruiser-racer purpose.