Rafiki 35

Description

The Rafiki 35 is a robust Taiwanese-built cruising sailboat designed by Canadian naval architect Stan Huntingford and constructed by Lien Hwa Industrial Corp. from 1977 to 1992. This 34.67-foot vessel represents a pivotal chapter in the history of Taiwanese yacht construction, emerging from the Lien Hwa Industrial Corp. shipyard during the late 1970s as a robust, albeit more conventional, alternative to its famous sibling, the Rafiki 37. Built with solid fiberglass construction featuring a full keel with attached rudder configuration and masthead sloop rig, the boat was designed specifically for long-distance cruising applications where strength, seaworthiness, and self-sufficiency were prioritized over racing performance. The design incorporates traditional heavy-displacement characteristics with generous interior accommodations, substantial fuel and water tankage, and robust construction methods that made Taiwanese-built yachts legendary among blue-water cruisers. With approximately 150-200 boats built during its 15-year production run, the Rafiki 35 established itself as a dependable choice for serious cruising sailors seeking an affordable yet capable offshore vessel that could handle extended passages and challenging conditions with confidence.