Design and Construction
The Sun Fast 3600 has been entirely constructed by infusion moulding, a process that confers resistance and rigidity to the structure. Clearly defined chines run much of the length of the hull and are carried all the way to the bow, where they add forward volume; by the stern they sit high, and the hull carries ample fore-and-aft rocker with a more radiused transom than the 3200. Yachting World found those aggressive chines are the starting point for a refined hull shape meant to generate more power without adding drag, and they help move the centre of buoyancy further outboard when heeled, increasing the stability the hull itself generates. A heavy and deep lead bulb keel with a 2.13 m draught and a substantial 45 per cent ballast ratio reinforce that form stability. Proportionately less wetted surface area than the 3200, plus the rocker and radiused sections aft, make the 3600 a more slippery boat in light winds and quicker in light airs than its predecessor. A full collision bulkhead at the bow closes off the forepeak.
Rig and Handling
As standard the boat is fitted with an aluminium deck-stepped double-spreader 19/20th fractional rig, with a carbon rig offered as an option. Sailors can adapt the way the sheets are led to suit needs: for fully crewed racing a German mainsheet system can be specified, while short-handed crews can fit turning blocks for the jib sheets just abaft the primary winches to facilitate cross winching. A choice of 0.45 m and 0.88 m sprits flies asymmetric spinnakers, and neat rollers built into the pulpit legs handle the tack line. Twin rudders give a surefootedness downwind, yet upwind the boat is light and responsive on the helm, feeling nimble rather than burdened by the sluggish sensation twin-rudders sometimes bring. The ergonomic cockpit is optimised for easy, efficient handling, with the traveller and coarse/fine tune mainsheet controls just forward of the helm; the forward part has short seats with coamings and the after section is more open. Most boats to date have been set up with two tillers, though twin wheels are an offered option.
Accommodations
Below decks the volume is much smaller than a modern cruising yacht of the same length, with quite a bit of effort gone into minimizing weight. The interior layout accommodates six people between two large and comfortable double quarter cabins and a pair of settees in the bright, well-laid-out saloon that also make good sea berths, served by a large central table with folding leaves. A basic but adequate galley sits to starboard, opposite a decent navigation station with deep fiddles, and a separate heads with shower occupies the forepeak along with sail stowage. Neat touches include a seat on each side just inside the companionway, and substantial foot chocks are strategically placed to brace when well heeled. High freeboard forward helps keep water off the decks, and the light displacement tends to make the boat ride over waves, keeping her generally dry.
The Verdict
The Sun Fast 3600 is a thoughtfully evolved racer-cruiser that translates aggressive chine and rocker geometry into real offshore and inshore performance without sacrificing basic livability. She is a serious short-handed or crewed racer that a family can still cruise, with a rigid infused structure and a safe forward collision bulkhead.
Pros
- Infusion-moulded hull confers resistance and rigidity with light weight
- Chines and bulb keel generate high form and ballast stability when heeled
- Twin rudders give downwind surefootedness with light, nimble helm feel
- Configurable sheet leading and rig options suit solo to fully-crewed racing
- Full bow collision bulkhead and dry-riding light hull for offshore use
Cons
- Below-decks volume is small versus a cruising yacht of the same length
- Galley is basic, and most boats carry tillers rather than wheel helm
