Design and Construction
The Landfall 35 is built predominantly of fiberglass, with extensive use of balsawood cores. Its profile combines a raised, near-vertical transom with a raked stem. Two teak dorade boxes on the cabin top provide ventilation.
Displacement is 13,000 lb, including 5,500 lb of ballast. The standard fin keel draws 4.83 ft, while an optional deep-draft keel draws 6.00 ft. A wheel controls the skeg-mounted, spade-type rudder.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Landfall 35 has a masthead sloop rig, self-tailing winches, and a mainsheet traveller. Test sailors described the boat as easy to handle, predictable, and forgiving in a breeze.
Close hauled, it will sail within 50 degrees of the true wind. Testers did observe a slight sideways slip during close hauling, directly related to the shoal keel. Its best point of sail is at 60 to 70 degrees.
The boat heeled gracefully in gusts. It would dip its teak toecap for a few seconds, reach 37–40 degrees of heel, shake off the gust, and return to its original angle. Weather helm remained minimal, and the boat showed no desire to round up.
The high bow split through the waves and roiled them aside with ease. The Landfall 35 rode with little to no pounding and maintained 7.02 kts in survey conditions. Testers noted the same solid feel associated with an Island Packet or Valiant.
Accommodations and Systems
C&C offered two interior arrangements. One has a conventional V-berth forward; the other substitutes a V-shaped couch and dinette table that converts into a berth.
The practical galley includes two stainless steel sinks, a gimbal-mounted three-burner alcohol stove and oven, and a large ice box. The head has a shower, in keeping with the boat’s intended role as a cruiser for couples.
Auxiliary power comes from a 27 hp Yanmar 3HM diesel. Fuel capacity is 30 gallons, and fresh-water capacity is 64 gallons.
Known Issues
The only documented handling caveat from sea trials is the slight sideways slip to leeward when close hauled with the shoal keel. This is a direct consequence of the standard 4.83 ft draft rather than a defect.
The balsa-cored construction also calls for careful bedding maintenance around deck fittings as a matter of prudent ownership.
The Verdict
The Landfall 35 is a thoughtfully executed cruiser-charter hybrid from C&C’s late-1970s shift toward the cruising market. It sails with composure beyond its length, combining forgiving handling with a solid feel and a bow that parts waves with little pounding. Its two interior layouts allow buyers to choose between a traditional forward berth and a convertible dinette.
The shoal keel’s slight slip to leeward is the only noted trade-off in an otherwise predictable, easy-to-handle package.
Pros
- Graceful, predictable handling with minimal weather helm
- High bow splits waves with little pounding
- Two distinct interior arrangements for couples or charter use
- Solid, Island Packet-like feel under sail
Cons
- Slight sideways slip when close hauled with the shoal keel
