Although the Earliest C&C 35s are Now 40 Years Old, They Continues to Offer Comfortable Accommodations, Good Looks and Good Sailing Performance

In the 10 years between the founding of C&C Yachts in 1969 and J-Boats' introduction of the J-30 in 1979, C&C Yachts, of Ontario, Canada, ruled the waves when it came to the design and production of performance-oriented cruising sailboats.

The C&C 35 set the benchmark for what became known as the cruiser/racer. To a large extent, the C&C 35 was responsible for establishing C&C Yachts as one of the major production sailboat builders of the 1970s.

The original C&C 35, also known as the Redwing 35, was a further development of the Invader, a 35-foot design by Canadian designers George Cuthbertson and George Cassian, the two "Cs." It was introduced in 1969 the end of the 1973 production brought some significant design modifications. Boats built in and before 1973 became known as MkI models; post 1973 boats have the MkII desigation. Production ended with the 1975 model year after 351 C&C 35s were built.

Although both versions share the same designated length and many other similarities, the two models have significant differences. Overall length is perhaps the most notable. The MkI measures 34 feet, 7 inches overall; the MkII measures 35 feet, 6 inches, an increase attributable to raising the sheer several inches. In addition, the MkI's scimitar-shaped rudder was replaced with a more conventional, partially balanced spade. The after sections of the MkII were reshaped to reflect the then-current International Offshore Rule design trends, sail area was increased by a bit more than 50 square feet, and ballast was increased by 620 pounds.

Modification to the deck and cabin house of the MkII eliminated the integral spray rail on the cabin top that was a prominent feature on the MkI. The cockpit changed to a "T" configuration and a bridgedeck added for the mainsheet. The interior got some sprucing up to make it a little more yacht-like.

Taken together, these changes increased displacement 30 percent, to 13,800 pounds, and added three inches to the draft, to 5 feet, 6 inches. Still, the MkI and MkII bear a strong resemblance and performance measuring parameters changed very little with the modifications. For example, the displacement-length ratio changed only 2 points and only 5 points separate the average PHRF base rating between the two models.

Construction of the 35 is a solid FRP hull with composite decks utilizing a balsa wood core. Construction is generally strong, though secondary bonding failures can be found at structural bulkheads, particularly on boats that have been raced hard. Leaks are common at the deck to hull joints and around cabin windows. The keel is bolted with stainless steel bolts and nuts, and some boats had steel washers that, if found, should be replaced with stainless steel washers or plates.

Although the decor of the MkII is more modern, the accommodation plan changed very little. Both models have V-berth cabins forward followed by a port side head. The main salon follows with a port side dinette that converts to a double berth and a starboard settee/berth. The galley and navigation station are flip-flopped on the two models -- the MkI has a starboard side galley aft and a port side quarter berth/navigation station combination. The galley is a little larger on the MkII. Both models have a fiberglass cabin sole and minimal bilge area.

Standard auxiliary power for both models was the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. Westerbeke diesel engines were offered with some later MkII models; some may have been built with Universal diesel engines. Several boats were retrofitted with both Universal and Westerbeke diesels, though the cost is hard to justify if the old Atomic 4 is still serviceable.

Both models are generally regarded as good performers. In her day, the MkI was very competitive in IOR fleets, though the MkII never quite measured up to expectations or rating. The MkI, particularly, seems to excel in light air, however a smallish rudder makes her a bit tricky to handle down wind in a strong breeze.

Keep in mind that this is not the only 35-footer C&C built, which can get a bit confusing. From 1983 to 1987 C&C built another 35 model sometimes referred to as the C&C 35 MkIII. From 1981 until 1985 the company built the C&C Landfall 35. Neither bears a resemblance to the older MkI or MkII. Don't confuse them.

It is still common to find these venerable old boats out on the racecourse, racing under the PHRF rating system, some still doing quite well. In the 1997 Annapolis to Newport race a C&C 35 MkI, circa 1971, named Sanderling, was the oldest boat in the fleet yet she finished an impressive third in class and third in fleet.

Although the earliest C&C 35s are now 40 years old, they continue to offer comfortable accommodations, good looks and good sailing performance.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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