The Falcon 34, also known as the Westerly Falcon 34, is a popular sailing boat that was manufactured by Westerly Yachts in the United Kingdom. It was designed by Ed Dubois and first introduced in 1982. The Falcon 34 is a mid-sized cruising yacht that offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and seaworthiness.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the Falcon 34:
1. Design: The Falcon 34 features a modern and sleek design with a moderate displacement hull. It has a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, which provides good stability and maneuverability.
2. Construction: The boat is constructed using a solid fiberglass hull, making it sturdy and durable. The deck is made of GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) with a non-slip surface for safety.
3. Dimensions: The Falcon 34 has an overall length of approximately 34 feet (10.36 meters) and a beam (width) of around 11 feet (3.35 meters). It has a draft of about 5.5 feet (1.68 meters), which allows for good upwind performance.
4. Accommodation: The interior of the Falcon 34 is designed to provide comfortable living quarters for extended cruising. It typically features a spacious saloon with a dining area, a well-equipped galley (kitchen), a navigation station, and a head (bathroom). There are usually two separate cabins, including a forward V-berth cabin and an aft cabin.
5. Sailing Performance: The Falcon 34 is known for its good sailing performance, offering a good balance between speed and stability. It has a fractional rig with a mainsail and a genoa, which allows for easy handling and efficient sailing in various wind conditions.
6. Seaworthiness: The boat is designed to handle a wide range of weather conditions and is considered seaworthy for coastal and offshore cruising. Its solid construction and well-balanced design contribute to its stability and safety at sea.
7. Popularity: The Falcon 34 gained popularity among sailors due to its comfortable interior layout, good performance, and overall reliability. It is often praised for its solid build quality and suitability for both short and long-distance cruising.
Overall, the Falcon 34 (Westerly) is a well-regarded sailing boat that offers a combination of comfort, performance, and seaworthiness. It is a popular choice for sailors looking for a mid-sized cruiser that can handle various sailing conditions.
