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DRAGONFLY 32'DRAGONFLY 32'DRAGONFLY 32'

A NICE BALANCE BETWEENSPORT AND COMFORTThe Danish, Skaerbaek-basedbuilder is continuing the renewaland modernisation of its foldingtrimarans. The 28' has replacedthe 920 family, the 35' has takenits position at the top of therange; the Dragonfly 32' meetspertinently the demands of inter-mediate programmes, for whichthe 28' is too small and the luxu-rious 35', too expensive.

Text and photos: Philippe Echelle

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QUORNING BOATS: TRIMARAN MANUFACTURE

SINCE 1981

We described in detail thecareer of Quorning, father andson, when we tested the 35'(Multihulls World n° 98). Thissecond visit confirmed theobservations made in 2007.Jens is completely in controlof this open-plan factory on ahuman scale. He managesthe manufacturing and is incharge of conception and des-ign. His training (with DickNewick, amongst others,where he took part in theconstruction of ROGUE WAVEand PAT'S) has made him anauthentic craftsman, whopays attention to all the ele-

ments making up these multi-hulls with such complex kine-matics. He is also an accom-plished architect, who hascreated his own style anddraws on a rich past as a top-level racer (European F20champion) and demandingsailor (his father, Borge wasthe creator of the firstDragonflies). The organisationof the work is rigorous andmethodical; it corresponds tothe almost caricatured imageof efficiency that we have inWestern Europe. The variousworkshops communicatewith each other, but each cellcan be shut off by watertightsliding doors. The insulation,

heating, ventilation and dustextraction are taken care of bypowerful, efficient equipment.The hygiene and safety cul-tures are obvious in all sec-tions of the activity. Two yearsago, the company equippeditself with a new building,exclusively dedicated to lami-nation. The workers areyoung, but all have an obviousprofessional maturity. Themanufacturing operations arerationalised and leave noplace for improvisation. Thetooling is the subject of in-depth studies and meticulouscare, so as to optimise thecreation of complex parts withno flaws and interior moul-dings with sophisticatedshapes. The contribution of

Steen Olsen, a 3-D virtuoso, issignificant; he participates inthe whole of the productionprocess and the final qualityof these beautiful objects.

DISCOVERING THEDRAGONFLY 32'

Skaerbaek's pocket-sizedmarina was the ideal place tohighlight the Dragonfly's pos-sibilities as a contortionist. Theentrance is narrow and win-ding, the pontoons are arran-ged around the fishing port,and the berths are tight! By astroke of luck, the threemodels had taken up tempo-rary residence here. The 28' is

transportable within towinglimits, folds its wings into ahousing in the central hull, andfalls within the 2.5m limitwithout dismantling. Themajestic 35' retains a certainrake to its floats; the 32'adopts cunning geometry: thenarrow floats with high free-board remain stable in the ver-tical plane, thus contributingto a compact appearancewhich facilitates the use offenders (inflatable or flat)when centimetres count. Thebeam is limited to 3.6m; itslips into the berth of a mono-hull of equivalent length.Attention has been focussedon the ergonomics of move-ment around the boat in itsfolded position; the tubularstainless steel guard railsmake the large foredeck safer;the comfortable gunwhalesaround the coachroof giveeasy access to the cockpit.The set-in handrail shows thateverything has been thoughtof and that the small weakpoints in the 920 generation

have been corrected. The des-ign of the coachroof is ele-gant, and conceals a specta-cular amount of interior areafor a 10-metre trimaran. Theartistic work carried out on theupper ridges and the designof the portholes are without adoubt the keys to this aesthe-tic success. The crossbeams'dihedral, the fusion of theirlines with the overallsilhouette and the anchoragesof the floats in rotating platesare superb. The forward sec-tions are slim, a progressive V-shape allows the underwaterlines to join harmoniously withthe very marked longitudinalstep which helps the 'ski tip'effect at high speed, whilstproviding the desired amountof internal space. The cham-pagne-glass aft sections limitthe hull's belly; the final metreis completely flat. The narrowfloats offer a new approach:they optimise the passage ofthe boat through the chop andtake the progressiveness oftheir volume distribution from

1 : Full speed, smoking wakes, bows cutting the spray in wild surfs,this is the Dragonfly 32...

2 : At full speed on runs, or on a discovery trip, the Dragonfly 32'(here the Supreme version) plays on its multiple facets, to the crews'delight.

3 : Lines which can be recognised amongst thousands: the 32 is theworthy descendent of the Dragonfly family.

4 : In the Supreme version, the 32 is equipped with superb membranesails from Elvström.

5 : The ability to be beached completes the Dragonfly 32's palette ofresources! Imagine an evening at Indian Creek (Antigua) or at Houat,after an afternoon spent speeding across the water...

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"The breeze was now strong, 25 – 29 knotsin gusts which we followed by bearing away.With between 15 and 20 knots on thespeedo, the Dragonfly planed permanentlyover the lively chop..."

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their vertical sides. This opposition ofshapes (flat central hull, narrow but highfloats) aims to combat the effects of bigseas stopping the boat when sailing towindward.

CROWDED PORTS? FOLD THE BOAT!

Quorning pushes its mastery of horizon-tal axis geometry even further by simpli-fying the path of the lines. Limitation ofthe opening of the arms forward is takencare of by a fixed cable, whilst locking inposition is dedicated to a powerful blockand tackle which is adjustable from thecockpit; two removable bobstays back upthe security. This 'all exterior' cross-sha-ped system (under the trampolines) isrational, it avoids passing the lines in thearms. The generous water stays (Dyformcables responsible for the vertical forces)are oriented in a wider angle. The gene-rous mechanically-welded parts which actas hinges are real works of art, and seemto have further progressed in their designand creation (more supporting material,jointing and overlap, double coupling pin).

INTERIOR ACCOMMODATION: CONTEMPORARY VOLUME AND STYLE

The impression of space is striking (the32 is very close to the 35!), there is an

abundance of wor-king surfaces andthe saloon is trans-formed by therecessing of thecentreboard case.This surprisingresult is the fruit ofan intelligent andmeticulous 3-Ddesign of the cen-tral module andthe structural inter-ior moulding. Thedesign of theappendage aban-dons the quadrantapproach, offeringdepth and a low

chord. The reduced dimensions allow a3rd (convertible) double berth in thesaloon. If we add the completely sepa-rate forward and aft cabins and a cohe-rent heads, we ask ourselves how theDanes have done all that! The overallstyle is simplified, compared with theopulent 35', but the traditional quality isomnipresent. The choice of maple for thedecoration helps with the impression oflight and space. There are numerous cup-boards; the lockers are equipped with cle-ver guillotine fastenings which rationalisethe stowage solutions and contribute tothe overall clarity when sailing. Access tothe aft cabin is by sliding the companion-way steps; certain claustrophobic peoplewill perhaps regret the absence of a largedeck hatch (there are two lateral, openingportholes); the ventilators will be useful inthe Mediterranean. Concerning the 'livea-bility', let's not forget the famous (optio-nal) canvas 'cabriolet', which turns thecockpit into a genuine exterior saloon; anarticulated bimini is also available, for thehot regions.

PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND AGILITY

Having diagnosed the minor shortco-mings of the previous generations (themain one being the limited liveability of

the 920 and the1000), Quorninghas continuedinnovating; it hasjust launched a sur-prisingly mature32-footer. Paintingis entrusted to aspecialist who hascabins and expe-rience ad hoc; I'veseen one example(the n°3) in abreathtaking blue! The photo sessioncarried out with 10to 15 knots of truewind showed thecapabilities. The 32'

caught the light well in its superb metallicbrown livery, and raked the bay at fullspeed, with the wakes smoking and thebows cutting through the spray in wildsurfs! Observation of the machinethrough the telephoto lens already gave alot of information. It was fast; I also likedits silhouette! The sail plan on theSupreme version is generous, as alwayson the company's sport versions. TheElvström Denmark membrane sails aresuperb (premature ageing problems withthese high-tech sails now seem to havebeen overcome). The cut, the manufac-ture and behaviour are excellent; they arevisibly very propulsive. Aboard, the firstgood feeling comes from the cockpit'sergonomics: forward of the mainsheettrack, the trimmers have enough space tomove around comfortably; the very rea-dable deck plan falls easily to hand. Thehelmsman is pampered, well-balanced onthe tubular footrests. With the wide-hand-led tiller extension or the 'racket' style til-ler in his hand, no obstacle can disturbthis comfortable position, which is likelyto be occupied for a long time. A (volun-tary) beaching showed the trimaran'samphibious abilities (on suitable ground).This aspect of the specifications mayseem marginal, yet it is an advantage innumerous situations (crowded ancho-rages, mangrove swamps, river bars, tinyports, transport...). As soon as the squallhad passed, a burst of 'astern' draggedus off this bucolic beach. The wind fres-hened progressively during the long tackto windward: 10, 15, then 20 knots of truewind under full main and genoa; the 32'tolerated this sustained point of sailing. Aline of squalls at over 25 knots dictatedthe first reef; the work dedicated to thecalculations for the (rolled filament) car-bon mast and the rigging arcs was visible,as the profile remained perfectly cohe-rent, without the slightest deformation.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Architect: Jens Quorning and Steen OlsenBuilder: Quorning BoatsLength: 9.80m (12m folded)Beam: 8m (3.60m folded)Draft: 1.95/0.5mWeight: 3.3tMainsail area: 57m² (Supreme), 47m² (Touring)Genoa: 31m² (Supreme), 26m² (Touring)Asymmetric spinnaker: 110m² (Supreme), 90m² (Touring)Code zero: 68m² (Supreme), 50m² (Touring)Retractable bowsprit: 2m (Supreme), 1.75m(Touring)CE Category: A, unsinkableEngine: 30hp 4-stroke Tohatsu extra long shaft out-board

20hp inboard or electric Price: standard version with 25hp 4-stroke Tohatsuoutboard: Touring 205,900 euros exc. VAT Supreme 219,900 euros exc. VAT

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The 'ski run' opened up ahead of us,on the best point of sailing for theseboats (beam wind, reaching)! Thebreeze was now strong, 25 – 29knots in gusts which we followed bybearing away. With between 15 and20 knots on the speedo, theDragonfly planed permanently overthe lively chop (but with no real seas).The clear accelerations followed therhythm of the gusts; resorting tofreeing the traveller was rare. The nar-row floats allow the windward one torise out of the water under the actionof its dihedral, and relieve it from theimpact of the waves; the verticalforce to leeward increased noticeablyand the trim stabilised when theforce was acquired. Despite therough conditions and the high speed,the 32's stability remains very reas-suring. The helm's balance, perfect towindward, was occasionally affectedby cavitation on our prototype (venti-

lation of the superb profile at highspeed); the builder is correcting this.The ride was interrupted regretfully(what a pleasure these wild ridesare!). The orientation of the hillsmeant we were now sailing close-hauled; we had to tack. What couldhave become a punishment turnedinto a lively and exciting stampede. At10 – 12 knots, and 30° to the apparentwind, tacking close to the shore, theDragonfly gave us a real demonstra-tion! Some monohulls, close-hauledand grinding the winches, werequickly left behind. The 32' tacked inits own length and accelerated awayimmediately; the light, precise helmtook no effort, the boat went straightahead! The very strong gusts (35knots!) were no obstacle, they allo-

wed us to luff more, whilst not tou-ching the mainsheet, which was justunder surveillance. By bearing away afew degrees, we immediately hit 15knots. At the end of the test, we hada final blast, with the genoa unrolled.The deck plan is biomechanically rele-vant, the powers of the Andersonwinches are suitable (one of the two46s is electric, an option on our testboat) and the Ronstan fittings areremarkably fluid. The mainsail preven-ters (extended block and tackle toadjust the leech, from a reach to abroad reach) are in place, as are thejib sheet barber haulers. On theSupreme, racers will have no prepa-ration to take care of. The manoeuvreunder power (outboard, dieselinboard or electric inboard - our test32' was an electric version) causedno problems, given the machine'sagility, but a thruster could prove use-ful for intensive use in marinas.

CONCLUSION

The 32' is a successful model. It ispretty, the design of the arms makesyou forget that this is a folding trima-ran. The general spirit of the prede-cessors is of course preserved, butthe concept has progressed concer-ning numerous secondary points,which makes it even more pleasantto use (useable sugar scoops on thefloats, position of aft cleats, access tothe trampolines on the same level,liveability, electric motor option...).The Supreme version is overpoweredand offers intense excitement inmoderate breezes, but the Touringversion shouldn't be too far behind inmost conditions.

TEST

T H E C O M P E T I TO R SModel TRIFORSIX 34 CORSAIR 37 CR RS TRIMAX 10.80

Builder Tournier Corsair Trimax Yacht

Windward sail area in m² 69 74 89

Weight in t 3,250 2,5 2,8

Price in Euros, exc. VAT 230 000 262 000 339 700

� The options increase the basic price� Slightly enclosed aft cabin� Careful technical maintenance essential

� Value for money� Pleasure in use� Liveability

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6 : Spacious cockpit, trampolines on the same level,top of the range fittings and generous sail area, the 32shows all its trump cards!

7 : In harbour, a monohull's berth is sufficient toaccommodate this decidedly atypical multihull!

8 : Light, space, conviviality, welcome aboard theDragonfly 32, a 10-metre trimaran which has everythingits big sisters have!

9 : In addition to the two double cabins, the saloontable can also be turned into a double berth. Practical!

10 : Aboard a trimaran, privacy can also be preserved...

"At 10 – 12 knots, and 30° to the apparent wind,tacking close to the shore, the Dragonfly gave us a realdemonstration! Some monohulls, close-hauled and grin-ding the winches, were quickly left behind."

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