Our H35.5
We had a Hunter 35.5 for almost six years. We raced it in local club races and cruised it every August and September in the San Juan and Gulf Islands (Pacific Northwest). It was a beutiful boat in all ways (we now own a H 380). We raced in Cruising class and then PHRF. I forgot what our PHRF number was but it seemed about right. We had the short keel (4'4") so could not point as well as other boats. But we were fast. On reaches we could beat J 35s boat for boat and did on a number of occasions. During our third year of racing (of this boat) we won Boat of the Year using stock sails in the local races--i.e. we had the best winning record of all boats, all classes. We also raced several times in heavy winds (over 30 knots), once in 40 kts in which we won the race. We had only three of us that Saturday but had a great time with double reefed main and jib. It was also a good cruising boat--easy to sail, comfortable and easy to maintain, except for the battery system which was in the Starboad aft hatch (and deep!) After standing on my head several times, we cut a hatch into the aft berth and was able to maintain the batteries in an easier manner. We sold it because I decided to give up racing and do more cruising during my retirement. The H 380 fit our needs better. But the H 35.5. still is one of my favorite boats. Les
