HOD 35 - the best cruiser racer of the past decade
The Humphreys One Design 35, from the board of Rob Humphreys, has to be the most successful cruiser racer out there over the past 15 years. The first HOD 35', 'Havoc', was built at Elephant Yard by Tom Richardson for David Allen with the project managed by Peter Scholfield, she quickly established herself as the boat to beat on the UK Solent.
Although originally designed as a self build hull, it was decided after some pressure from potential buyers to put the HOD 35' into production. 'Zarafa', built by Tom Richardson at Elephant Yard, became the plug for the production boats. The first series were built using the SCRIMP system at Westerly Bowman, Seaquest took over production in 2000, about 16 built between 1997 and 2002.
The most successful HOD 35' has to be 'Zarafa', now owned by Peter Scolfield and a long term fixture on the winners rostrum at major UK regattas and championships. Many owners use their HOD 35's for short handed racing, the most successful being John Loden with 'Psipsina' who won a considerable number of RORC races and the RORC short handed trophy.
Simon Walworth, a Director at Boatmatch.com, was sales manager for Havoc Yachts and marketed the HOD 35's through to 2002 when production ceased at Seaquest. Boatmatch.com has a Bowman built hull, White Knight of Wessex, for sale, details at http://www.boatmatch.com/boat-for-sale.php?boat=19259
