Design and Construction
The 35RS draws 7 feet 2 inches at full keel extension and lifts to just 2 feet 4 inches, a swing-keel arrangement that lets her wander shoal creeks yet stand up to ocean passages. Her iron ballast of 7,176 pounds sits within a 15,388-pound displacement, a 46.6 percent ballast ratio that gives her the kind of stiffness you want when the wind builds. The hull is solid fiberglass with a solid fiberglass deck and teak used throughout the fit-out to ensure durability and good looks. A spade rudder and the swing keel keep the underwater profile clean, and the raised-saloon hull form yields a 30-foot-3-inch waterline beneath an 11-foot-8-inch beam.
Rig and Handling
Her fractional rig carries a powerful 33-square-metre mainsail with single-line reefing and a self-tacking furling jib, the two combining for efficient performance in all conditions without a big crew. An optional gennaker flies from a short, removable bowsprit for the lighter-air days. The simplified handling minimises the effort demanded of the helmsman, and the steering itself is light and responsive through a large 48-inch diameter wheel. The builder described her as a joy to handle, and she can be sailed easily by just two people.
Accommodations
On deck she features a spacious cockpit, its forward section deep and well protected with comfortable seats and backrests, while the aft portion opens generously so the helmsman can make full use of that big wheel. Below, the raised saloon gives convivial seating in both the cockpit and the cabin for her sailing companions. The standard interior comes with two cabins, a spacious galley and dining area, and lots of ingenious storage solutions, though the layout can be customised to owner taste. The combination of raised saloon and protected forward cockpit makes her a comfortable coastal and offshore companion.
The Verdict
The Southerly 35RS succeeds as a genuine blue water cruiser that does not punish a short-handed crew. The swing keel gives her a rare dual personality — shoal-water access and a deep, stable keel for passage work — while the fractional rig with self-tacking jib and single-line reefing keeps sail handling sane. Her raised saloon and thoughtfully detailed cockpit are clearly family-oriented without being precious. The limitations are few and mostly inherent to her concept: the swing-keel system demands diligence in maintenance, and the customisable interior means no two boats may be finished alike.
Pros
- Variable draught swing keel for shoal access and offshore stability
- Easily sailed by two thanks to self-tacking jib and simplified systems
- Spacious, protected cockpit with raised-saloon comfort below
- Solid fiberglass construction with teak detailing throughout
Cons
- Swing-keel system requires careful upkeep
- Customisable interior means inconsistent standard layouts across boats
