Lacoste 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Lacoste 36 began its production run in 1985, built by Yachting France, an influential French boat-building consortium. Yachting France itself was established in 1970, consolidating various established French boatyards like Jouet, Lanaverre, and Arcoa to achieve economies of scale and bolster distribution networks in a challenging economic climate. Their manufacturing ethos during this era focused on producing robust and practical fiberglass sailing yachts, a strategy the Lacoste 36 exemplifies.

The design by Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for its well-engineered and seaworthy vessels, brought a pedigree of performance and reliability to the Lacoste 36. While specific design philosophies for this model are not explicitly detailed, the choice of Sparkman & Stephens suggests an emphasis on sound hydrodynamic principles and sailing capability. The association with the Lacoste brand, known for its focus on quality and elegance in other product lines, might also have influenced an aesthetic requirement for the yacht. The Lacoste 36 was primarily offered with a fixed fin keel, though a keel/centerboard version was also available, offering a shallower draft of 4.83 feet when the board was up, extending to 8.16 feet when deployed. Additionally, a "Tall Rig (Special Edition)" was an option, suggesting variations catering to different sailing preferences. Production of the Lacoste 36 would have concluded by 1992, coinciding with the dissolution of Yachting France.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lacoste 36, with a length overall of 37.5 feet and a waterline length of 30 feet, presents a balanced profile for a cruising yacht. The vessel’s design ratios provide insight into its likely sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.35, the Lacoste 36 is classified as a moderate performance cruiser, capable of respectable speeds in a range of wind conditions without being overtly geared for racing.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) stands at about 38.18%, indicating a good level of stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling. This characteristic is desirable for comfortable cruising, particularly in choppier waters. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of 263.06 places it firmly in the moderate to heavy cruiser category. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly motion, prioritizing comfort and stability over outright light-weight speed, making it suitable for longer passages and offshore conditions. The theoretical hull speed for the Lacoste 36 is approximately 7.3 knots. Anecdotal evidence from a related model, the Lacoste 42, suggests a "good turn of speed" and a "great all around boat," hinting at a similar design philosophy for the smaller 36-foot variant. Reviews also note that the Lacoste 36 features a "more spacy hull design" compared to many contemporaries, suggesting that interior volume and comfort were significant considerations in its design.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Lacoste 36 are not extensively documented, reviews indicate that the designers prioritized interior volume. The Lacoste 36 is noted for having a hull design that offers more interior space than many comparable sailboats of its era. As a cruiser of its size and vintage, it would typically feature a layout designed for comfortable living aboard, including a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a dining area, a galley, and a head compartment. The emphasis on a "spacy hull" likely translates to good headroom and ample room for storage and movement below deck, contributing to its suitability for extended cruising.