PETERSON 34 – “Salty”

Reprinted from Sailing Magazine, June 2015: Peterson 34, This Fast, Tough Racer I Well Suited for Offshore Racing

The 1977 Peterson 34 is a tough, fast, and affordable performance cruiser built “to deliver about eight people quickly and safely from point A to point B (such as Newport to Bermuda),” Peterson noted.

Peterson’s performance cruisers were considered rugged enough for ocean racing and this quality solidified his reputation as a premier designer.   During this era, his designs dominated offshore racing, including 3 America’s Cup campaign designs.

With excellent windward performance in both light and heavy air, the Peterson 34 does not pound and the solid glass hull is built to take any sea. The combination of spade rudder, fin keel, and substantial ballast give the boat both speed and handling ability.

An amazing yacht with an interior set off by solid hardwood floors, 92  were built between 1976 and 1981 in League City, Texas by Island Yacht Corporation.

Production Details – Peterson 34

LOA 33’11” | LWL 28’3” | Beam 11’2” | Draft 6’4” | Displ. 10,800 lbs.| Ballast 5,100 lbs. | Sail Area 581 sq. ft.

Notable Articles on Doug Peterson and the Peterson 34: 

Reprinted from Sailing Magazine, June 2015: Peterson 34, This Fast, Tough Racer I Well Suited for Offshore Racing
Doug Peterson – Legendary IOR Design Pioneer | Sailboat Data
ScuttleButt News: Salty’s designer, Doug Peterson (1945-2017)New York Times on Doug Peterson
Reprinted from Cruising World Magazine: Peterson 34, Refit for Offshore Voyaging