A total of 351 hulls were numbered sequentially, with another 15 built by Anesty Yachts in Poole, England. The focus here is the Mark II, a longer-waterline, heavier, taller-rigged evolution of the original that retained the racing pedigree of its Canadian design house. The first C&C 35 launched in 1969, and boats built from 1969 to 1973 became known as the Mark I; the Mark II ran from 1973 until 1975, with the model remaining in production through 1975. A total of 351 hulls were numbered sequentially, and an additional 15 were built at Anesty Yachts in Poole, England.
Design and Construction
The Mark II’s waterline is 2 ft. 9 in. longer than the Mark I’s, a change that helps account for its quicker PHRF rating of 125, compared with 130 for the earlier boat. Displacement increased by 3,300 lbs., while the mast grew by a little over two feet and sail area rose by 54 sq. ft.
The rudder also changed. The Mark I had a swept rudder on an angled post; the Mark II has a near-vertical rudder post positioned farther aft of the keel, with a bustle closing the gap between rudder and hull. Designer George Cuthbertson said tank tests showed that the earlier boat’s swept-back rudder was faster when cut away from the hull.
The 35 was originally built under the CCA rule and later rated under IOR. In January 1985, Practical Sailor observed that no other production boat of the same era, size, and type had a lower PHRF base rating.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
Under sail, the C&C 35 is quick. It reaches seven to eight knots with a light, responsive helm, and owners report surfing at 11 to 12 knots under spinnaker. In light air and on reaches, it will exceed its rated speed.
The design also has a substantial racing record. A Mark I named Walloon won the Mackinac Race six times under both rules and in class. Racing sailors claim that the Mark I’s swept rudder is more efficient and can be pressed harder on spinnaker reaches before broaching than the Mark II’s rudder, though the later boat’s near-vertical post and bustle were a deliberate evolution of the design.
On the Mark I, a deck-mounted mainsail traveller separates the helm from the crew, while a molded spray coaming forward of the companionway helps route lines aft. The Mark II’s aft helm is somewhat exposed for extensive ocean sailing. With proper self-steering gear, however, the 35 would make a fine blue-water cruiser.
Owners also describe a T-shaped cockpit in which movement behind the wheel can be awkward. The standard wheel diameter is 30 inches.
Accommodations
Below, the Mark II has a typical 1970s layout: a quarter berth beside a cramped chart table, a U-shaped galley, and a dinette that converts into a double berth, with a settee opposite. Farther forward, a hanging locker opposite the head separates the main saloon from the vee-berths.
The Mark I has lower topsides and a more cramped interior. It also has no bridge deck to step over at the companionway, a lower engine box, and a galley pushed into the corner. The Mark II’s taller topsides provide more space and headroom.
Auxiliary Power and Refit Details
Most C&C 35s left the factory with a gas-fired Atomic Four auxiliary, although a few owners fitted diesels.
Some boats have also been refitted with new keels that allow the hull to sit flat on the keel base, a useful feature for storage and grounding. C&C 35s have been extensively cruised over the decades.
Known Issues
On some early Mark I boats, the main bulkhead separated from the hull after pounding to windward in heavy seas. The repair is described as straightforward.
Although this problem concerns earlier sisterships rather than the Mark II specifically, it remains part of the design family’s construction record. On the Mark II itself, the aft helm position remains a consideration for sailors contemplating long ocean passages.
The Verdict
The C&C 35-2 is a thoughtfully evolved racer-cruiser. Its longer waterline and taller rig moved it into a faster PHRF bracket and gave it livelier performance than the Mark I, without abandoning the seakindly behavior that made the line an offshore favorite. Displacement also increased by 3,300 lbs., while the mast grew by a little over two feet and sail area rose by 54 sq. ft.
Its accommodations are typical of the period but roomier than those of the first generation. The construction record is largely sound, aside from the correctable bulkhead issue reported on some early Mark I sisterships. For a sailor looking for classic C&C speed with a usable interior, the Mark II delivers.
Pros
- Longer waterline and taller rig than the Mark I, with a quicker PHRF rating
- Proven offshore and racing record, including multiple Mackinac wins
- Adequately roomy 1970s interior with a convertible dinette and quarter berth
- Some refitted keels allow the boat to sit flat on its base
Cons
- Aft helm is exposed for extended ocean sailing
- Some early Mark I boats experienced bulkhead separation after heavy-weather pounding
- Most boats have the gas-fired Atomic Four auxiliary, which is less favored today
- Cramped chart table and awkward movement behind the wheel in the T-shaped cockpit
