Hallberg-Rassy 342
by BWS Staff
Blue Water Sailing
September 2005
As avid readers know, BWS always appreciates a well-designed, modest-size cruiser as it has the ability to take you to faraway destinations, but is not too much of a handful to discourage spontaneous cruises along the local coastline. It looks like we have found such a vessel in the Hallberg-Rassy 342 designed by Germán Frers as a hardy cruiser that offers the world cruising capabilities that has made Hallberg-Rassy one of the most popular boats in offshore events like the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and the Blue Water Rally.
Based on the HR34, launched 15 years ago, the HR342 has 15 more inches on the waterline as well as longer, wider berths and more headroom below, where larger, more numerous hatches and portlights keep the interior bright. The keel bulb is thicker for a lower center of gravity and thus greater stability. Higher coamings in the cockpit offer more protection where a single watchkeeper can handle most any routine situation, thanks in part to an optional self-tacking jib.
