The Biscay 36: A Classic Bluewater Cruiser
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

No, the Biscay 36 is not in production anymore. The last boat was built in 1990 after a construction run of only 29 units

The Biscay 36 was built by two companies: Robert Ives Ltd and Falmouth Boat Construction Ltd. Robert Ives Ltd created the deck and hull mouldings, while Falmouth Boat Construction Ltd did the fitting out and completion. Robert Ives Ltd was founded in 1969 by Robert Ives, a former naval architect who worked for Camper & Nicholsons. The company specialized in building high-quality fiberglass yachts, such as the Cygnus range. Robert Ives Ltd ceased trading in 1992. Falmouth Boat Construction Ltd was established in 1974 by John Peake, a former employee of Robert Ives Ltd. The company continued to build custom yachts until 2013, when it was acquired by Falmouth Boat Co., which still operates today as a boat repair and maintenance service.

The Biscay 36 was available as either a ketch or a sloop. The main mast is supported by two sets of spreaders and shrouds on each side. The mizzen mast is shorter and has no spreaders.

The Biscay 36 has only one keel option: a long keel. This means that the keel extends along most of the length of the hull, the aft end of which supports the rudder. 

The Biscay 36 is not a performance-oriented boat, but rather a comfortable and safe cruiser. It has a heavy displacement of 15,680lb (7,112kg), which makes it slow to accelerate and hard to manoeuvre in tight spaces. It also needs a good breeze to get going, as its sail area/displacement ratio is only 14.6. However, once underway, it sails smoothly and steadily, with little heel or motion. It can handle rough seas and strong winds well, thanks to its high ballast/displacement ratio of 42.2 and its low capsize screening formula of 1.7. It is also easy to balance with its ketch rig, which allows adjusting the sail area according to the conditions.

The price of a secondhand Biscay 36 may vary depending on its condition, equipment and location. According to Yachtworld, the current listings range from £29,950 to £49,950, with an average of £39,950. However, these prices may not reflect the actual market value, as the Biscay 36 is a rare and desirable boat that may sell quickly or privately.

The designer of the Biscay 36 was Alan Hill, a British naval architect who worked for several yacht builders and magazines. He designed many other sailboats, such as the Trident 24, the Trident Challenger 35, the Trident Voyager 35, the Trident Warrior 35, the Trident Warrior 40, the Trident Venturer 38, the Trident Venturer 40, the Trident Venturer 44 and the Trident Venturer 50.