Thomas 35

Some background information on the Thomas 35...

The idea and design specifications for the Thomas 35 were conceived by Lindy Thomas - a Chicago business entrepreneur and winning Tartan Ten sailor.  He commissioned Graham & Schlageter - marine architects based in Chicago - to design the boat, and Tartan Yachts - near Cleveland, Ohio - to manufacture them.  

Designed to compete with the very popular J/35 but with better build quality and amenities, the T35 is rated level with the J/35 and Schock 35 in various rating systems on many bodies of water. 

Karen and I met Lindy Thomas at Chicago Yacht Club during an achievement ceremony in his honor.  Amid many stories :), we learned that 42 Thomas 35's were built between 1988 and 1995.  There was optimism for a true one-design fleet, but the sales were not enough.  Ours is hull #29, built in 1993, with a masthead Sparcraft rig.

For further information...

• Sailing World article for Boat of the Year, 1988 
• Article in Chicago Tribune in 1991 describing Lindy Thomas' company and the Thomas 35
• Sailing Anarchy forum discussion on the Thomas 35, from 2007
• Thomas 35 specifications on SailboatData.com  (Note this is fractional vs. masthead rig.)
• Deck hardware diagram for the Thomas 35
• Basic specifications for how Mercedes is outfitted  [Updated August 28, 2021]

These materials are from the original sales brochure around 1988...

 

Here's a picture of Lindy Thomas...