Broadblue 435 – Into the Broadblue Yonder

Want a long distance cruising catamaran ideal for a couple? This British-built 43-footer might be your baby By Nim Marsh The Broadblue’s ability to sail efficiently in light air is impressive. The Broadblue 435, a refinement of the Broadblue 42 we sailed as part of last fall’s Boat of the Year judging, would be a good choice for a bluewater-bound couple joined occasionally by a friend or two. The Broadblue sailed well in light air (with its full main and large reacher, it beam-reached at 7.7 knots in 11 to 12 knots true), a plus for a passagemaker seeking steady progress over the sea miles. Its 776 square feet of canvas is divided into a seamanlike cutter rig that’s easily managed and presents numerous storm-canvas and downwind-sail combinations. The Broadblue’s hulls boast watertight bulkheads fore and aft and solid fiberglass below the waterline; the topsides and deck are glass over endgrain balsa core. They’re built to the highest European Union standard, Category A (Ocean), with Lloyd’s-approved materials. To read complete story – click here for Broadblue 435 Review on Cruising World website