Contessa Ood 34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The OOD 34 is a quintessential child of late 1970s yacht design, characterized by a deep fin keel and a high-aspect-ratio masthead sloop rig. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of the era’s "cruiser-racers," the boat is exceptionally responsive and known for its formidable windward performance. According to archival tests from Yachting Monthly, the OOD 34 excels in light to moderate airs, where its large sail area allows it to outpace heavier displacement contemporaries.

Handling-wise, the boat requires an active hand. Like many Peterson designs of this vintage, it features a relatively narrow beam and a tapered stern, which can make it prone to rhythmic rolling or broaching when pressed hard downwind under a large symmetric spinnaker. However, for an experienced crew, the boat offers a rewarding, "dinghy-like" feedback through the tiller. The ballast ratio is substantial, providing the stiffness needed to carry sail in a blow, though it lacks the ultimate secondary stability of the heavier, narrower Contessa 32.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing pedigree, Jeremy Rogers ensured the OOD 34 was finished to a standard that allowed for comfortable coastal cruising. The layout is traditional, featuring a forward V-berth, a heads compartment located between the mast and the saloon, and a central living area with settees that double as sea berths. A hallmark of this model is the inclusion of pilot berths outboard of the main settees—a design choice common in 1970s racers to keep the crew's weight "on the high side" while sleeping off-watch.

The cabinetry is typically finished in teak, reflecting the high craftsmanship associated with the Lymington yard. While the OOD 34 lacks the cavernous volume of modern 34-footers, its 6-foot-plus headroom and dedicated navigation station make it a viable platform for a family of four. Sibling models based on the same performance philosophy include the larger Contessa 35 and 39, which scaled up Peterson's design language, and the OOD 34's smaller sibling, the Contessa 28, which offered a similar cruiser-racer balance on a more compact footprint.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Contessa OOD 34 earned a place in maritime history during the infamous 1979 Fastnet Race. Several OOD 34s were competing when the storm struck; notably, the boat Assent, owned by the Rogers family, was one of the few vessels in the fleet to complete the race without incident or retirement. This feat significantly bolstered the model's reputation for structural integrity. The boat's performance during this tragedy is often cited in safety-at-sea literature as a testament to the robust construction methods of Jeremy Rogers, even in a design optimized for speed.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an OOD 34 with a focus on structural health, given that many have been campaigned heavily in offshore races.

• Mast Step and Deck Compression: The high rig tension required for competitive racing can lead to compression at the mast step. Inspect the deck around the mast and the supporting bulkhead for any signs of deformation or cracking.
• Rudder Bearings and Post: The spade rudder is a high-load component. Excessive play in the bearings or signs of "wicking" moisture into the rudder blade are common findings in older hulls.
• Chainplates: Because the OOD 34 carries a large masthead rig, the chainplates and their attachment points to the hull should be meticulously checked for stress fractures or leaks that could compromise the core.
• Engine Replacement: Many original units were fitted with Bukh or Yanmar engines that may now be reaching the end of their service life. Check the engine beds for oil saturation and ensure the sail-drive seal (if equipped) has been replaced within the last seven years.

Community & Resources

The OOD 34 benefits from the broader Contessa community, which is one of the most organized in the sailing world. Technical support and historical documentation are often shared through the Contessa 32 Association, which, while focused on the 32, frequently acts as a hub for all Jeremy Rogers-built yachts. Owners also maintain informal networks for one-design racing and parts sourcing, particularly for the Atlas davits and carbon products that the modern Jeremy Rogers yard continues to produce.

The Verdict

The Contessa OOD 34 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of build quality and pedigree rarely found in modern production racers. It is an ideal choice for the enthusiast who wants a boat capable of winning local club trophies on Saturday and cruising cross-channel on Monday.

Pros:

• Exceptional windward performance and light-air speed.
• Proven structural integrity and heavy-weather capability.
• High-quality interior joinery from a prestigious British builder.

Cons:

• Demanding handling characteristics when sailing downwind in heavy seas.
• More cramped interior compared to modern wide-beam cruisers.
• Older hulls often require significant rigging and electronics updates.