Friendship 36

Friendship 36, Shoal draft centerboard sloop

Newest in the successful line of Friendship yachts, the Friendship 36 is designed to specifications requested by a current Friendship 40 owner.  The client asked for a yacht that would possess the same desirable characteristics of his 40, namely excellent sailing performance, the same single handed sailing systems and the exquisite level of quality construction. The new boat, however, was to have a remarkably shallow draft of only 32”… it was to be moored at the dock in front of the owner’s home where there was only three feet of water at low tide.

Ted Fontaine obliged his challenging requests by modifying the underbody of the 40, eliminating the stub of the keel, and increasing the ballast to provide sufficient stability. The shallow draft delta hull form is fit with twin rudders for enhanced control under sail or power.

Although the design could easily be done in high tech composites, the owner chose to build his 36’ as a ‘one-off,” utilizing cold molded wooden custom methods to achieve inclusion in the “spirit of tradition” regattas which have been growing in popularity. The hull and deck are constructed of laminated wood over frames and bulkheads. The Friendship 36 features a full carbon fiber mast, carbon fiber in-boom furling system and carbon fiber standing rigging. Designed with the perfected Friendship Yachts single handed sail control systems, it features hydraulic mainsheet controls at the helmsman’s feet, and push-button controlled winches and furlers.

The cockpit has been created to maintain the same ergonomic perfections as her larger sister the Friendship 40. There is spacious seating for six in deep cushioned sofa settees with a walk-around fixed drop leaf table for impromptu lunch stops. All sheets and lines are neatly stored in stainless steel rimmed bins keeping the cockpit clutter free. The cockpit table houses a pull-out touch screen Garmin GPS and a fold-away stainless steel box for the auto pilot control. With jib sheets led to either side of the wheel, and furler buttons cleverly recessed into the port and starboard winch pods, the lone sailor can tack, jibe and reef the working sails while never leaving the confines of the beautifully sculpted cockpit. With the mainsheet and bow thruster controls positioned by the helmsman’s feet, docking and tacking become hands free operations.

Below decks, the Friendship 36 is a stunning example of the quality Maine craftsmanship for which her builder is so well known.  The raised panel fully gloss varnished teak interior features an open floor plan where the salon has a compact but functional galley to port and hidden closet head to starboard. A double berth is located on centerline forward of the salon table. Port and starboard mini settees make this the perfect couple’s getaway. Outfit with all the creature comforts one would expect on a much larger yacht yet brilliantly designed and executed to perfection. The 36 features a  fresh water flushing electric head, a hot and cold shower, large electric fridge, sink, microwave and gourmet one-cup coffee brewer. There is an additional fresh water shower on the aft deck, a deep swim ladder easily launched at midships, and a swing out anchor and Lewmar windlass for effortless anchoring.

During her first sail trials, even the builders were impressed with her speeds. Hitting 8 knots under sail in just 15 knots of breeze, the Friendship 36 proved herself to be a worthy little sister to the distinguished line of Friendship yachts.

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