XC 35 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the XC 35 is rooted in X-Yachts' enduring philosophy of constructing yachts that marry high performance with exceptional quality and comfort. Chief designer Niels Jeppesen, a foundational figure in X-Yachts' history, envisioned the XCruising range to cater specifically to comfortable, deep-water cruising, incorporating deeper, more V-shaped hulls for enhanced stability and offshore capability. The XC 35, launched at Boot Düsseldorf in 2014, was praised for its balance of cruising comfort, performance under sail, and responsive handling.

During its production run from 2014 to 2019, the XC 35 embodied the builder's commitment to structural integrity, a hallmark of X-Yachts' "stiff, stiffer, stiffest hull!" mantra. The design thoughtfully shifted towards increased volume and comfort, along with easier handling, while meticulously preserving the brand's distinctive design and inherent sportiness. A key structural feature is a galvanized steel grid, which stiffens the hull and efficiently distributes the loads from the rig and keel, ensuring a robust and reliable platform. The XC 35 was developed to be a fast cruising sailboat, balancing a "hot rod-style family cruising boat" with the demands of offshore passages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The XC 35, with a length overall of just over 34 feet and a waterline length of 31.5 feet, boasts performance characteristics that align with its design as a capable cruiser. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.38 suggests that the boat is well-powered for its displacement, indicating respectable performance even in lighter air conditions. This is complemented by a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 202.85, placing it in the moderate displacement category, which generally signifies a good balance between speed potential and comfortable motion through the water.

While the Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at approximately 0.33 (33%), which might appear moderate, the boat's bulb keel and robust galvanized steel grid construction contribute to its overall stability and stiffness, allowing it to stand up to wind effectively. The XC 35 is equipped with a fractional sloop rig, a common configuration known for making sail handling more manageable, particularly for cruising sailors. Anecdotal descriptions from its debut highlighted its "excellent stability and easy handling," along with "responsive handling," confirming its design goals of providing excellent sailing performance with ease of operation in various sea states. The flexible yet powerful sail plan further contributes to its capable performance under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

As the smallest model in the XCruising range, the XC 35 offers a "luxury interior" within its 34-foot length, designed for comfort during extended passages. The XCruising line is generally characterized by features like extensive teak decking, which hints at a quality finish below deck. While specific dimensions are limited, the interior layout typically includes two guest cabins, a salon, a galley, and a head, fitting the profile of a Mediterranean cockpit cruising yacht.

Despite its classification as a bluewater cruiser, some interpretations suggest that due to its relatively narrow hull in the context of modern trends for larger cruising boats, the XC 35's interior space might be considered compact. However, X-Yachts' reputation for "clean and timeless style" ensures that the interior is well-appointed, with an uncluttered, functional deck layout extending to the cabin, 16]. While maximum headroom details are not explicitly provided, the design would prioritize comfortable standing room in key areas. The emphasis on comfort and quality in the XCruising line suggests well-ventilated spaces, ample storage for extended trips, and high-quality materials throughout, contributing to a premium onboard experience.