Bruce King designed this boat to be a high-performance racer/cruiser and Ericson made 34 with the intention of starting a one-design fleet. Her high-aspect ratio double spreader rig allows extra support and strength to the lighter-aloft section with shroud locations well inboard for tighter sheeting angles for better windward performance. The mast is keel stepped with loads evenly spread throughout the keel area. The lead delta fin keel has favorable hydrodynamic characteristics with lower induced drag. The hull construction is compiled with ten years of experience. The hull is one-piece of hand-laid technique with pre-determined lamination schedule for longitudinal stiffness incorporated with a fiberglass pan and athwartship rigidity accomplished with heavily bonded bulkheads to the hull sides. The simple, uncluttered, hand-laid, cored deck is stiff, light and strong with good insulation qualities and is then bonded to the hull with fiberglass making the hull and deck a single unit. Below the main salon has 570 cu. ft. of volume providing excellent living space partially accomplished by her large beam. Her port and starboard settee berths are wide and provide excellent seating at the hardwood table which stows out of the way when not in use. The starboard quarter berth is 6’1)” by 3’10”. There are numerous deep bins and drawers plus a hanging and wet locker for overall generous storage. The forward cabin is separated from the main cabin by a private door. There is a hanging locker and shelf and bin storage. Total sleeping capacity is 6. The head is large and well ventilated with good storage.