The S2 35 is moderately powered for comfortable coastal cruising, with acceptable motion comfort for coastal passages.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 28.3′, the S2 35 tops out around 7.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √28.3′ LWL = 7.1 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
17.1
Moderate sail power — a capable coastal cruiser, not overpowered.
Comfort Ratio
26.2
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Capsize Screening
1.94
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
26.2
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.94
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the S2 35 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Racer 0–90
Cruiser/Racer 90–150
Cruiser 150–210
Tartan 3500
117s/nm
Maxi 108
147s/nm
Niagara 35
156s/nm
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail |
6 kts TWS |
10 kts TWS |
15 kts TWS |
20 kts TWS |
| Close-hauled40–50° |
2.8 |
3.6 |
4.0 |
4.2 |
| Close Reach60° |
3.4 |
4.3 |
4.9 |
5.1 |
| Beam Reach90° |
4.2 |
5.3 |
6.0 |
6.2 |
| Broad Reach120–135° |
3.9 |
4.9 |
5.5 |
5.7 |
| Run150–180° |
3.1 |
3.9 |
4.4 |
4.6 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (7.1 kts),
SA/D (17.1), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the S2 35 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghost
Sweet Spot
Reef
Heavy
0–7 kts
7–20 kts
20–28 kts
28+ kts
Ghosting
0–7 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
7–20 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
20–28 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
28+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the S2 35.
|
S2 35 |
Maxi 108 |
Niagara 35 |
Tartan 3500 |
Us 35 |
X 362 Sport |
| Dimensions |
| LOA |
35.2 |
35.3 |
35.1 |
35.2 |
35.3 |
35.1 |
| LWL |
28.3 |
29.9 |
26.7 |
30.0 |
28.5 |
30.4 |
| Beam |
11.5 |
11.2 |
11.4 |
11.8 |
12.0 |
11.4 |
| Displacement |
13 |
14 |
14 |
11 |
13 |
10 |
| Ballast |
6 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
| Sail Area |
596 |
609 |
— |
618 |
561 |
694 |
| Performance |
| PHRF |
— |
147 |
156 |
117 |
— |
— |
| SA/Disp |
17.1 |
16.6 |
— |
19.6 |
16.1 |
22.8 |
| Bal/Disp |
— |
— |
39.3 |
39.5 |
— |
43.9 |
| Comfort |
26.2 |
28.3 |
— |
21.0 |
24.5 |
20.5 |
| Capsize |
1.94 |
1.84 |
— |
2.09 |
2.03 |
2.07 |
| Hull Speed |
7.1 |
7.3 |
— |
7.3 |
7.2 |
7.4 |