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Helmsman 35
Designer: Håkan Södergren  ·  Builder: Helmsman Yachts (Den)  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Helmsman 35

Designed by renowned Swedish naval architect Håkan Södergren and built by Denmark's Helmsman Yachts, this distinctive 35-footer represents a thoughtful approach to coastal cruising from the mid-1970s. With only 15 hulls constructed beginning in 1975, the Helmsman 35 stands as an exclusive example of Scandinavian design philosophy emphasizing seaworthiness and practicality. The yacht's moderate proportions and fin keel configuration deliver balanced performance characteristics well-suited for extended coastal passages and weekend cruising. Her fractional sloop rig provides versatility in varying wind conditions, while the substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 49% ensures confident stability in challenging conditions. The comfort ratio of 20.58 indicates a motion that favors seakindliness over racing performance, making longer passages more pleasant for crew and guests. Built with fiberglass construction typical of the era, the Helmsman 35 reflects Södergren's reputation for creating practical, well-mannered sailing yachts. The design's conservative approach to sail area and displacement suggests a boat intended for serious cruising rather than racing, with handling characteristics that inspire confidence in both experienced sailors and those seeking a capable vessel for advancing their offshore skills.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.52 ft / 10.52 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.23 ft / 8.30 m
Beam 11.32 ft / 3.45 m
Max Draft 6.40 ft / 1.95 m
Displacement 9,920.00 lb / 4,500 kg
Ballast 4,850.00 lb / 2,200 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 532.00 ft² / 49.42 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Håkan Södergren
Builder Helmsman Yachts (DEN)
First Built 1975
Number Built 15
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 153
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 18.5
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 48.89
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 219.34
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 20.58
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.11
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.99 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.64
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,101.39 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 18.5
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 41.30 ft / 12.59 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.30 ft / 3.44 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 45.60 ft / 13.90 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.10 ft / 3.99 m
SA Fore 233.35 ft² / 21.68 m²
SA Main 298.68 ft² / 27.75 m²
SA Total (100%) 532.03 ft² / 49.43 m²
Est. Forestay Length 42.82 ft / 13.05 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD2B
Engine Type Diesel
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