Hallberg-Rassy 34

 

They have built vertical drains into the sidedecks, just inside the bulwark/toerail, and these drains are lined with copper which is flared at the upper end. The drains convey water from the sidedecks but the runoff does not run down the topsides, producing those nice vertical grey smudges you have to polish off by hanging over the side with someone sitting on your ankles. There are seacocks at the lower ends of these drains, essential for HR’s A100 rating by Germanischer Lloyd.

The mooring cleats are through-bolted on that beautiful teak toerail capping instead of in their usual position on the deck where they can break your toe. Outboard of each cleat is a strip of copper so the mooring lines don’t rub on that beautiful teak toerail. If your salty soul doesn’t respond to copper and brass, teak and mahogany, you will not appreciate this boat.

Enough of detail; let’s look at the big picture. The HR34 is a completely straightforward 5300kg sloop with a 2100kg lead keel for a 40 per cent ballast ratio. She is driven by 55 sq metres of main and jib in a fractional configuration, supported by a stout mast and massive rigging. The foot of the keel is bulbed (more a sort of flare on a low-aspect fin) and the spade rudder is hung from a notch in the hull profile.

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The layout below decks is equally straightforward, though the interior trim is all mahogany. The owner’s double cabin is in the bow with two hanging lockers, plus several smaller lockers mounted high, under the deck. Have a look at the opening hatch overhead. The mahogany hatch surround has been so finely laminated you cannot find the join. The only join is in the lower capping piece which covers the laminations.

There is a smaller double cabin in the stern, on the portside. The bathroom is on the starboard side, aft.

The galley work surface is fiddled. A cover for the stove (two burners and oven) slides up from behind if you want to hide the utilitarian features. There are plenty of small drawers for stowage (small is good) but cups and plates go in a cupboard which has a sort of pegboard base so moveable dowels can hold firmly the individual items of crockery. The rubbish bin is a wire frame which takes bin liners. Hallberg-Rassy provide the bin liners!

The navigation area has a big table which takes a chart with only one fold. To the standard equipment you need to add only the radio.

You can sit six to eight at the table because you use the settees on both sides of the hull . The portside settee back is hinged and lifts up so the settee cushion can provide a wide and comfortable berth. Under the cushion you will find the lee cloth which straps to the handrail overhead. Lift that bunk base and you will find the stainless steel fuel tank which looks to be beautifully-engineered. Fuel line piping is in copper.

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