Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Fast 345 T reflect the IOR (International Offshore Rule) influences of the late 20th century, though Tony Castro moved away from the more extreme "pinched stern" tendencies of the time to create a more stable, seaworthy platform. With a lead-ballast fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, the boat is known for its responsive helm and ability to track well upwind. The T version typically features a masthead rig that is slightly more conservative than the Racing version, allowing for better control when shorthanded.
Owners frequently report that the boat feels "stiff" and handles heavy air with composure, a trait attributed to its robust construction and a ballast-to-displacement ratio that favors stability. According to technical assessments often cited in Brazilian maritime publications like Revista Náutica, the boat maintains a high speed-to-length ratio, making it capable of holding its own in club racing even decades after its launch. The cockpit is ergonomically laid out for a crew of four to six, though the Touring configuration’s simplified winching systems allow for manageable solo or couple-fronted passages.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Inside, the Fast 345 T offers a level of volume and craftsmanship that was considered premium for its era. The layout is traditional yet functional, featuring a dedicated V-berth forward, a central salon with settee seating that can double as sea berths, and a private aft cabin located to the port side. The use of warm hardwoods—typically Brazilian mahogany or similar local timbers—gives the cabin a classic, sturdy feel.
The Touring variant specifically differs from the Racing model by including a more comprehensive galley, often equipped with a two-burner stove, oven, and refrigerated icebox, along with a more substantial navigation station. Headroom is generous for a 34-foot performance boat, comfortably accommodating sailors up to 6'2". Its sibling, the Fast 345 R, often stripped away some of these wooden finishes and cabinetry to save weight, resulting in a more utilitarian "pipe-cot" style interior. A larger sibling, the Fast 395, was also produced on a similar design philosophy for those requiring blue-water capabilities and three-cabin layouts.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
When inspecting a Fast 345 T, potential buyers should focus on several era-specific technical areas common to performance cruisers of the late 80s:
- Grid and Stringer Integrity: The boat utilizes a fiberglass structural grid bonded to the hull. In boats that have been raced hard or suffered a hard grounding, this bond can fail. Inspect the bilge area near the keel bolts for any signs of "crazing" or separation.
- Deck Core: Like many boats of this vintage, the deck is a sandwich construction. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases or the mast step can lead to core delamination. A thorough percussion test (tapping) is necessary to identify soft spots.
- Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder on the 345 T is subject to significant loads. Over time, the bearings can wear, leading to "play" or vibration in the helm.
- Osmosis: While Fast Yachts had a reputation for quality lamination, some hulls from the early 90s have shown susceptibility to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter reading of the hull below the waterline is highly recommended during a survey.
Community & Resources
The Fast 345 T maintains a loyal following, particularly in South America. The most prominent resource for technical data and racing handicap information is the Associação Brasileira de Veleiros de Oceano (ABVO), which oversees the racing classes these boats still compete in. Owners often congregate in regional sailing clubs in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where the model remains a staple of the "Bico de Proa" and ORC racing classes.
The Verdict
The Fast 345 T remains a top-tier choice for sailors seeking a classic "dual-purpose" yacht that does not compromise on build quality or designer pedigree.
Pros:
- Excellent upwind performance and predictable handling.
- High-quality interior woodwork and robust construction.
- Proven Tony Castro design with a timeless aesthetic.
- Strong resale value and active community support in South American markets.
Cons:
- Age-related maintenance (rigging and electronics) is almost certainly required on older hulls.
- The IOR-influenced hull shape can be "rolly" when running dead downwind in heavy seas.
- Limited availability in North American or European markets.
