Wauquiez Pretorien 35, legend of the seas

Built by Chantier Henri Wauquiez in Mouvaux, France, the Pretorien 35 was introduced in 1979. Although exact numbers differ, around 200 boats were launched before the model was discontinued in 1986. Designed by Holman & Pye (like the smaller Wauquiez classic, the 32-foot Centurion), the Pretorien seems more British than French. But that’s not surprising. Henri Wauquiez, who died in 1999, admired English boats and in particular the designs of Kim Holman. Wauquiez purchased his first boat in 1964, the English-built, Holman-designed Elizabethan 29. Wauquiez liked its handsome sheer and steady bearing in a seaway. Soon he began finishing out Elizabethans for the French market and a passion for sailboats blossomed into a business.

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Although this IOR influenced design may appear a little dated, the Pretorien 35 is a go-anywhere design that offers excellent value and a quality of construction that rivals that of some of the finest production boats in the world. Many of the construction features, such as the six longitudinal stiffeners that run the entire length of the hull and the unique method of bulkhead attachment, are not readily apparent to the casual observer. But, you need to look no further than inside lockers to see the care the builder has taken to create a remarkably smooth, exceptional quality finish.

The Pretorien is built for ocean sailing. The hull of the Pretorien 35 is solid fiberglass and has six full-length longitudinal stringers that stiffen the panels and encapsulate the bulkheads. Although small, the cockpit has a seat-level bridgedeck forward, a very substantial welded stainless steel stern rail and is ideal for offshore passages. Side decks are wide with rigging shrouds and genoa tracks set well inboard to allow for easy passage. A foredeck anchor locker provides plenty of room for stowage of a suitably sized anchor and sufficient rode. One of the unique features of the deck arrangement, and another example of the builder’s attention to detail, are the molded mounting pads for winches with matching pads for cleats angled so that lines are led fair from the winch.

The layout of the Pretorien 35 is predictable, but it works. There is double V-berth forward that is decently sized. The saloon features a comfortable U-shaped dinette to port with a settee opposite. The nav station is also to port while the U-shaped galley is opposite and just to starboard when you drop below. The galley includes two small, round sinks (a single, larger sink would be better), a two-burner gas stove and a fridge compartment aft. A classy addition and Wauquiez trademark of the era is the ceramic tile galley counter. There is a quarter berth cabin to port suitable for two children or small adults. Joiner work is excellent throughout and storage is quite good. Three deck hatches, two solar vents and two dorade vents provide only marginal ventilation for the cabin spaces.

Like other boats of this era, including the Contessa 32, Rival 34 and Nic 35, the Pretorien 35 low sail area/displacement ratio of 15.6 is a bit misleading. The boat is a bit of a slug in light air, but that’s not what you buy a Pretorien for anyway. It is a fine performer in moderate breezes and sails like a larger boat when the wind really pipes up. Those are the sailing qualities you look for in a true offshore boat. You will appreciate the 46% ballast/displacement ratio when it is honking and you’re clawing to weather or forereaching in a deep a gale.

If you’re yearning for a very high quality boat but find most far out of your budget, the Pretorien 35 is a model worth taking a look at. The Wauquiez Pretorien 35 is quietly attaining classic status, and her seaworthy design, quality construction and proven offshore capability make it a terrific small cruiser.

Sources: “BoatUs” and “Sailing Magazine”