Contessa 35

[jerski]

Greetings all!
I have been watching on YouTube a guy from, I believe, Norway do some pretty incredible solo sailing in a Contessa 35. I am new to the idea that a fin keel and spade rudder could make a good cruising boat, especially if I plan to cross an ocean or three. What's your guys take on a Contessa 35 being a good cruising boat? As a note I plan to be alone 99.9% of the time

[boatman61]

Done a few crossings both solo and shorthanded on fin and spade boats and they are just fine.
Contessa are a good marque so even better..

[psk125]

Worries about spade rudders and fin keels seem to be generated by guys who don't like getting passed by other boats. The Cal 40 - a popular design with spade rudder and fin keel - was first built in 1963. Things happen to any boat. An IP in Connecticut recently got holed in her encapsulated keel and sank. ( https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ng-279365.html )In-mast roller-furler mains do actually sometimes get jammed. If a boat meets your needs, go with it.