Dandelion 131

 An alternative solution (to those discussed in post 129), for the demands of shoal waters, is a folding trimaran. Like this Dragonfly 40, pictured in Newtown Creek. On which the floats lie against the main hull, in port, to reduce her beam. Enabling the vessel to fit within a 'standard' marina berth. At sea, unencumbered by a weighty keel, tri's have great performance potential. Both on and off the wind. At anchor, with centreboard retracted, they require just half a metre (eighteen inches) in which to float. Or can take the ground.

Al Wood is the UK Dragonfly agent. (The boats are built in Denmark). Unsurprisingly, given the boats' suitability, to the waters of Chichester harbour, Al's office is in Emsworth. Although, it transpires, his demonstrator fleet is on the Hamble. A short car ride away.

We start small. With the Dragonfly 25 and Dragonfly 28. Both designed to be 'road legal,' when on a trailer. An acknowledged trade off, for the pace of a trimaran, is space in the accomodation hull (versus that of an equivalent length monohull). Accordingly, my expectations, of living space, are set low.

Unnecessarily so, it transpires, as I step into the saloon of the Dragonfly 28. Which has a cosetting, Scandanavian crafted, ambience. Even in the smallest iterations, these Dragonflies are no stripped out racers. The compromises come with headroom that (for me, at six foot one) is of the 'head bowed' variety, and stowage which is too restricted for (my) cruising needs. Although both are impressive for a 'trailer-sailer.'

The Dragonfly 40 is the flagship of the range. Below, she brims with space, light and headroom. As, perhaps, would be expected, at this length and price. Useable stowage space has been cleverly worked in, without creating clutter. Or uneccessary weight. The elm framed, 'roller blind' fronted, lockers, a particularly stylish, yet practical, solution.

Sadly, a sistership to our old friend Firefly, the Dragonfly 32, is not available to view. Stargazer met Firefly in Scilly, back in 2021. In the hours before Storm Evert struck (Evert story here). Firefly's superior speed enabled her to run for the shelter of the mainland. An option not open to Stargazer. Firefly is pictured, on a later encounter, in Blood Alley, Poole. Being of a similar length, to Stargazer, an internal comparison would have been of great interest.

Al, is however able to provide this brochure shot, of a Dragonfly 32 interior. Which appears closer to the 40, than to the 28, in terms of  'cruisability.' Even though the length differentials might suggest otherwise. When I enquire about headroom, Al explains that the designer (and company owner), Jens Quorning, stands six feet four inches, in his socks. His standards for bunk lengths, seating heights and headroom clearances reflect this. Except on the trailable boats, where bridge clearance requirements preclude it.

To focus overly on their interiors, however, is to miss the point of these boats. They are about sailing enjoyment. With the cockpit ergonomics, deck gear and (carbon as standard) rigs to provide it. A rare, and refreshing, choice of priorities, in the modern marine marketplace. Especially in combination with high quality cruising interiors. 

Al's parting words underline his faith in Quorning trimarans' performance. "Call me. You can sail my Dragonfly 28 across to The Island (Isle of Wight), with me. We’ll look over a Dragonfly 32, whilst we're there." An offer which I am keen to take Al up on. Once Stargazer and I have sailed home to Chatham.

Picture Credits

Dragonfly 40 at anchor in Newtown Creek, courtesy of the crew of Dragonfly 920 Chiara

Interior shots of Dragonfly 28, 32 and 40, courtesy of Dragonfly.dk / Quorning Boats ApS

Dragonfly 32 underway brochure shot, courtesy of Dragonfly.dk / Quorning Boats ApS