The criterion for the VG³⁵ was to design a versatile 35-foot racing yacht. The boat should be a strong high performance racer capable of going offshore, as well as competing in PHRF and IRC/IRM round-the-cans regattas. The boat should also have basic cruising amenities, a lifting keel option, and be capable of being sailed with or without runners and checks, depending on the level of competition.

The construction of the hull and deck will consist of a wet-preg e-glass and kevlar laminate vacuum bagged over a foam and balsa core using an epoxy resin. Carbon fiber will be used selectively in areas of high loadings such as stringers, frames, and chainplates. Along with the lifting keel option there is a retractable carbon fiber rudder blade. The blade slots through a roller bearing cylinder supported by the hull and deck.

Both the fixed and lifting keels have a state-of-the-art, high-lift foil and dolphin bulb configuration. The fixed keel option has a high-strength ductile iron flange and space-frame with the lead fin and bulb cast around it. The lifting keel option on the VG³⁵ is the answer to mooring or docking areas with limiting draft constraints. The fin of the lifting keel is a carbon/laminated wood construction with a lead/steel transition into a lead bulb. With the keel down, in sailing mode, the draft is 2.28m (7' 6"). For coming into shallow ports or where tide can be a problem the keel will retract to a shoal draft of 1.1m (3' 7"). This configuration also makes for a low center of gravity trailering package.

Rigging for a shoal draft is relatively easy and quick. With the sails down and the boom pulled off to one side, the main halyard is attached to a folding padeye mounted on the top of the keel flange, which sits flush with the cabin top. As the mast is raked with some pre-bend, the padeye is vertically aligned with the mast crane. Top and bottom locking pins in the keel trunk are then released allowing the keel to be winched up and pinned in the retracted position. The rudder blade is then pulled up to a gauged depth, which still allows for steerage.

The cockpit is the perfect working deck arrangement for both offshore and round-the-cans racing, being long and open with ample room for crew to carry out maneuvers. The competition fractional carbon fiber rig has swept-back spreaders and continuous rod rigging. The interior has a very attractive and clean finish, which would be functional and well attuned to offshore sailing. The VG³⁵ is powered by a Yanmar 18hp 2GM20FC with a Sail Drive.

Initial VPPs and performance comparisons made on the VG³⁵ show the boat to be extremely competitive against a broad cross-section of existing designs. With a narrow waterline, low wetted surface, and wide flare, the VG³⁵ should prove to be a formidable racer in the Western Long Island Sound area, as well as having the power and waterline length to take home the silver at premier regattas such as Key West and Block Island race Weeks.