The Contessa 35 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Contessa 35, a moderate displacement sailboat, was designed by Doug Peterson and manufactured by Jeremy Rogers in the United Kingdom throughout the mid to late 1970s.

Contessa 35

Published Specification for the Contessa 35

It's important to note that variations exist in Contessa 35 specifications due to different builders and modifications over time. Here's a breakdown of the typical specifications, drawing from reliable sources:

Keel & Rudder Configuration: Fin keel with spade rudder.
Hull Material: Fiberglass (GRP).
Length Overall (LOA): Approximately 35'6" / 10.82 m. Variations exist.*
Waterline Length (LWL): Approximately 29'6" / 8.99 m. Variations exist.*
Beam: Approximately 11'5" / 3.48 m.*
Draft: Approximately 6'4" / 1.93 m.*
Rig Type: Masthead sloop.
Displacement: Approximately 13,500 lb / 6,123 kg.*
Ballast: Approximately 6,900 lb / 3,130 kg.*
Sail Area: Approximately 623 ft² / 57.88 m².
Water Tank Capacity: Varies, examples show around 200 litres, and 400 litres.
Fuel Tank Capacity: Varies, examples show around 50 Litres, and 70 litres.
Hull Speed: Approximately 7.3 knots.
Designer: Doug Peterson.
Builder: Jeremy Rogers Ltd. Variations exist with other builders.
Year First Built: Approximately 1974.
Number Built: Difficult to give a definitive number, as production spanned many years, and multiple builders.

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Options & Alternatives

Based on the historical records and reviews available online, the Contessa 35 was produced as a single, consistent design with no officially distinct alternative versions during its production run.

The boat was built as a masthead sloop with a deep, performance-oriented keel and a standard interior layout.

Although there might have been minor variations in the interior fittings or owner-driven modifications over time, these were not factory-sanctioned design alternatives but rather small custom adjustments made post-delivery.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Below are the commonly reported rig dimensions for the Contessa 35 sailboat. Keep in mind that slight variations may appear across sources due to rounding or measurement conventions:

I (Foretriangle height): 49'0" (14.94 m)
J (Foretriangle base): 15'0" (4.57 m)
P (Mainsail luff length): 40'0" (12.19 m)
E (Mainsail foot length): 12'9" (3.89 m)

Sail Areas:

Foresail: 375.88 ft² / 34.92 m²
Mainsail: 247.25 ft² / 22.97 m²
Total Sail Area (100% Fore + Main Triangles): 623.13 ft² / 57.89 m²

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Based on its published design ratios, the Contessa 35 exhibits a thoughtful balance of performance and stability:

Displacement-to-Length Ratio (≈235): This moderate value indicates that while the boat is robust and well-suited for offshore conditions, it may sacrifice some nimbleness in light winds compared to ultralight racers. It’s engineered to cut through waves confidently, offering a reliable, steady ride.

Sail Area-to-Displacement Ratio (≈17.4): The ample sail area relative to its weight means the Contessa 35 can accelerate well and harness the wind efficiently in moderate breezes. This ratio suggests a design that can deliver spirited performance, yet it remains manageable in heavy winds when reefed appropriately.

Ballast-to-Displacement Ratio (≈51%): With over half its weight dedicated to ballast, the boat is inherently stiff. This high ratio not only bolsters stability and minimizes excessive heeling but also contributes to safe handling in challenging conditions.

Length-to-Beam Ratio (≈3.1) & Capsize Screening Formula (≈1.9): A slender hull (length-to-beam) combined with a CSF below 2 confirms that the design is efficient in the water and capable offshore. These numbers affirm that the Contessa 35 can provide confident performance and good seakeeping qualities without compromising on speed or agility.

Theoretical Sailing Characteristics: Taken together, these ratios suggest that the Contessa 35 is built for balanced performance. It’s responsive enough for competitive sailing with rapid acceleration under moderate winds, thanks to an optimized sail plan relative to its weight. Simultaneously, its considerable ballast and moderate displacement ensure it remains stable, making it a safe and capable bluewater cruiser.

But the Design Ratios Don't Tell the Whole Story...

Although the design ratios can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics they do however, have their limitations:

The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

Consequently, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

More Specs & Key Performance Indicators for Popular Cruising Boats

30' to 35'

35' to 40'

40' to 45'

45' to 50'

50' to 55'

Over 55'

This article was written with the assistance of Copilot, a large language model developed by Microsoft. Copilot was used to gather information, summarize research findings, and provide suggestions for the content and structure of the article.