From the outset, the design brief put safety and comfort ahead of outright speed. What sets the 35RS apart in a crowded field of midsize cruisers is the way those priorities were incorporated into a boat that remains a joy to handle.
Design and Construction
The 35RS draws 7 feet 2 inches with the keel fully extended and just 2 feet 4 inches with it raised. This swing-keel arrangement allows her to explore shoal creeks while retaining the deep draught needed for ocean passages.
Her 7,176 pounds of iron ballast is carried within a displacement of 15,388 pounds. That gives her a ballast ratio of 46.6 percent and the stiffness you want as the wind builds. A spade rudder and swing keel keep the underwater profile clean.
The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, with teak used throughout the fit-out for durability and appearance. The raised-saloon hull form has a waterline length of 30 feet 3 inches and a beam of 11 feet 8 inches.
Rig and Handling
The fractional rig carries a powerful 33-square-metre mainsail with single-line reefing and a self-tacking furling jib. Together, they combine for efficient performance in all conditions without requiring a large crew. For lighter air, an optional gennaker flies from a short, removable bowsprit.
The simplified sail handling reduces the effort demanded of the helmsman. Steering is light and responsive through a large, 48-inch-diameter wheel. The builder described the 35RS as a joy to handle, and she can be sailed easily by two people.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The spacious cockpit is divided into two distinct areas. Forward, it is deep and well protected, with comfortable seats and backrests. Aft, it opens up generously, giving the helmsman room to make full use of the large wheel.
Below, the raised saloon provides convivial seating for her sailing companions, complementing the cockpit seating above. The standard interior has two cabins, a spacious galley and dining area, and plenty of ingenious storage. Owners could also customise the layout to suit their tastes.
Together, the raised saloon and protected forward cockpit make the 35RS a comfortable coastal and offshore companion.
The Verdict
The Southerly 35RS succeeds as a genuine blue-water cruiser that doesn’t punish a short-handed crew. Her swing keel gives her a rare dual personality: shoal-water access when raised and a deep, stable keel for passage work when lowered. The fractional rig, self-tacking jib, and single-line reefing keep sail handling manageable.
The raised saloon and thoughtfully detailed cockpit are clearly family-oriented without feeling precious. There are few drawbacks, and most are inherent in the concept. The swing-keel system requires diligent maintenance, while the customisable interior means that no two boats may be finished alike.
Pros
- Variable-draught swing keel provides shoal-water access and offshore stability
- Easily sailed by two, thanks to the self-tacking jib and simplified systems
- Spacious, protected cockpit and the comfort of a raised saloon below
- Solid-fiberglass construction with teak detailing throughout
Cons
- Swing-keel system requires careful upkeep
- Customisable interior results in inconsistent standard layouts across boats
