![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd12xh08npfBo_YKTCehM-mVy3kXE7bt-JbwmWV5Wdi9NI2a5ve63fdm2Mu1OssGDqun7DRb2HTTzGZXF-ljJ2RJlF1faag467K1VjNlHON8mKYIwQwwyqQML00sdPsbipWGoHlIMd632/s400/Thomas35-Drawing.jpg)
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...
Beautiful boat!! Wishing you many happy times on your new adventure!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great boat.
ReplyDeleteGREAT BOAT, I won the 1989 NOOD in Chicago, beating the designer Eric. Some Exciting Great racing, I just loved the T-35. Great Coverage in Sailing World Mag. September 1989
ReplyDeleteI learned that Lindy Thomas passed away recently. It's quite a loss to the sailing world.
ReplyDelete