Scandinavia 35 Information, Review, Specs

The Scandinavia 35 entered production in 2016, emerging as the largest offering from Scandinavia Yachts, a shipyard founded by Michał Kiersnowski in 2006 in Skarżysko-Kamienna, Poland. The builder's ethos, from its inception, has focused on exceeding customer expectations through superior quality, innovative solutions, and excellent sailing performance. While initially concentrating on cruising yachts under 30 feet, Scandinavia Yachts expanded its portfolio, culminating in the introduction of the Scandinavia 35.

The design of the Scandinavia 35 was entrusted to the Marc Oliver van Ahlen studio, a notable collaboration that underscores the shipyard's willingness to engage external expertise to refine their offerings. Marc Oliver van Ahlen's philosophy for the Scandinavia 35 aimed to create a modern interpretation of a cruising yacht, incorporating contemporary features such as chines, a fixed bowsprit, and twin steering wheels, alongside effective hull appendages. This design approach sought to combine excellent sailing properties with a luxurious and spacious interior, a balance that contributed to the Scandinavia 35 being named "Yacht of the Year" in its home country in 2017. The construction adheres to modern techniques, emphasizing an excellent finish, a hallmark of Scandinavia Yachts' dedication to robust and aesthetically pleasing vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Scandinavia 35, with a length overall of just over 35 feet and a waterline length of 30.05 feet, is designed for efficient performance on the water. Its reported sail area of 645.83 square feet combined with a displacement of approximately 11,905 pounds results in a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 19.87. This figure suggests that the Scandinavia 35 is a relatively potent performer, likely exhibiting good speed and responsiveness, particularly in lighter air conditions.

The boat's displacement of about 11,905 pounds and a ballast of roughly 4,057 pounds yield a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 34.08%. While this ratio indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind, it suggests a balance between stability and a livelier motion. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 196.18, firmly places the Scandinavia 35 in the lighter, more performance-oriented category of cruising yachts. This relatively low D/L ratio implies that the boat requires less power to drive through the water, contributing to its "fast and dynamic sailing" characteristics.

Anecdotal descriptions highlight the Scandinavia 35's "excellent sailing properties". Its fractional rig is noted for making tacking easier, which is a considerable advantage for cruisers. The combination of effective hull appendages and a modern design results in a sailboat that is both engaging to sail and capable of respectable speeds.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Scandinavia 35 is designed to offer a luxurious and spacious environment, reflecting the "essence of Scandinavian design" with clean lines and bright, inviting spaces. While specific headroom figures are not available, the vessel typically features a practical layout suitable for comfortable cruising.

The standard configuration often includes an aft cabin and a large V-berth forward, or alternatively, two aft compartments. The main salon usually houses a seating area, a galley, and a wet room (head) located near the companionway. The boat is commonly configured with three cabins, providing sleeping arrangements for six to eight persons, making it suitable for families or groups. Online reviews and specifications suggest a well-appointed interior, often including amenities like heating, a teak cockpit, a chart plotter, GPS, and a bow thruster, enhancing comfort and ease of handling. The emphasis is on intelligently planned spaces that maximize comfort and utility, utilizing modern construction techniques to ensure a high-quality finish throughout the interior.