Domani - this is, no longer only in Italy, for example, the answer of a craftsman to the question of when he intends to start his work. In the case of a boat as pretty as the Domani S 32, it is probably meant more as an invitation to simply postpone the less urgent things until tomorrow and go sailing today. Now the sun is shining and there's a gentle breeze: Off onto the water! Italian moments. The reminiscences of the southern lifestyle are abundantly clear on board: beautiful lines combined with a sporty attitude plus fine detail solutions. High-quality construction and a carefree approach to the final touches, probably due to the prototype.
The test day doesn't seem to fit in at all: Three degrees outside temperature, light rain and extremely gusty winds await on the Oosterschelde. Shipyard manager Jan Goderis prepares the sheets for the gennaker, perhaps it could be hoisted. "Then she'll plane very well from 15 knots of wind," says the Belgian. But first we let the electric drive push us out of the harbour. This is very precise and, of course, completely silent. Even with 400 watts of power consumption, the boat is manoeuvrable. The sails go up while still in the forebay. This works with the optional electric winches at the touch of a button. The sails stand up very well, which is hardly surprising given that it is Elvström's Epex cloth. This costs a good 5,000 euros extra for the main and self-tacking jib.
The Domani S 32 requires extremely active sailing
The difference between the basic wind and the gusts is huge. While it is usually around 14 knots, the gusts can easily add two Beaufort. This makes it difficult to find the right setup. In the first gust, one of the carelessnesses becomes apparent: The backstay is deflected through the deck onto a cascade that works under the aft deck. This is nice and clean, but the system lacks sufficient transmission to generate enough vapour in the gusts. The main remains too closed at the leech and pressure can only be released via the mainsheet. That is a pity. The shipyard has recognised the problem and wants to install one or even two more gear ratios. Then it should fit.
To actively parry gusts, you need a better backstay tensioner
The boat has a sufficient 38 per cent ballast ratio, but is only 2.50 metres wide. That's 35 centimetres less than the Saffier Se 33, for example, giving the Domani a slender appearance. She heels away quickly in the gusts. The freeboard, which sinks so nicely towards the stern, now approaches the water with its edge almost threateningly fast. This calls for extremely active sailing. The mainsheet runs directly behind the helmsman's back and is therefore very easy to reach. In fast gybes, however, the helmsman must also avoid the line if he wants to avoid painful encounters. However, it is within easy reach from any steering position, so that gusts can be easily parried with it.
The potential of the Domani S 32 is great, but not easily accessible
Sitting on the coaming, the Domani is easy to manoeuvre, but there is no footrest, so you are always looking for support. Once you've got to grips with the wheel, the sportiness of the boat is a joy to behold. The Domani finds the wind edge with great precision, thanks in part to the elaborate and very rigid construction. Keeping an eye on the lines and having good contact with the pressure situation in the boat makes steering a real pleasure. Between the gusts, the Domani shows pleasing results: tacking angles of almost 80 degrees, also thanks to the very tightly sheeted self-tacking jib, at a good six knots of speed are very respectable.
The Domani really gets going with a light shake and makes a bella figura. Then it also becomes more relaxed at the helm, the pushers are less prone to heeling and provide plenty of extra speed. It was just under nine knots in over 20 knots of wind. The boat's potential is therefore great, but its manoeuvrability could be better. The key words here are dimensional stability, a secure hold when steering and a stronger backstay. However, this can be easily regulated everywhere, either by reefing in good time or by clever retrofitting. So when it comes to sailing, the Domani S 32 is a big plus, because the basis is right.
Clever details for relaxation on board
However, such a daysailer should also have other qualities. And the small yacht from Belgium has a few answers to this as well. In order to be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the water when lying at anchor, the aft locker covers can be raised and locked in place. This creates backrests for cushions. The idea is as simple as it is ingenious. Both the aft deck and the cockpit invite you to sit or lie down and relax. The Domani also has an answer in case the sun gets too hot: a sun canopy can be stretched over the cockpit on carbon rods. The holder for the rods is integrated into the cup holders, so it is not visually distracting. The benches themselves are deep and comfortable and, at 1.60 metres, rather short for lounging. At 1.75 metres long and 1.63 metres wide, the aft sunbathing area is the better choice.
Below deck, dignified elegance awaits the visitor: light-coloured upholstery, white wall panelling with a quilted check pattern, light wood applications in walnut and indirect lighting. Another Italian moment, certainly, when the carelessness described above is revealed behind the upholstery. The gluing is unsightly. Here, too, the shipyard vows to improve. The small galley has what it needs: a hob, a mini sink and a Nespresso machine. At most, breakfast or a snack is prepared here - daysailer style.
Plenty of room to sleep in the Domani S 32
The berth dimensions prove that a daysailer can certainly be a nightsleeper: the length in the foredeck is a generous 2.42 metres. The bed is 1.50 metres wide at shoulder height. At the foot end, the width is a pleasing 75 centimetres. It's not cramped even for two people. The best place to sleep alone is in the dog bunk. It is 3.07 metres long - yes, there is a three at the front - and is also pleasantly wide at 75 centimetres. When not sleeping, 84 centimetres of seat height is sufficient. A height of 1.38 metres under the companionway is once again typical of a daysailer.
There is space for a large cool box under the companionway steps. The installations behind it with batteries and electric drive are neatly designed. The same applies to the solid-looking structure including the recess for the keel and its bolts with large chamfered shims. If lock nuts are now fitted, everything will be as it should be.
The Domani S 32 is beautiful and special
The Domani S 32 Lounge is a beautiful boat. Perhaps even the prettiest daysailer at the moment, but that is of course a matter of taste. At 2.50 metres and low weight, it is still trailerable. The high-quality construction also speaks in favour of the yacht from Belgium. It is a real alternative for people who are looking for something special without wanting to appear absurd.
With a base price of around 180,000 euros, it is well below the Saffier Se 33, which only starts 35,000 euros higher up, without being significantly inferior in terms of construction or fittings. The equally attractive Toufinou is also around 20,000 euros more expensive than the Domani. So: If you still don't know what to do with the Domani, you can arrange a test drive with the shipyard.
Measured values Domani S 32
Sailing performance (without drift/current)
Wind speed: 14-25 kn (4-6 Bft), wave height: approx. 0.5 m
Potential STZ* = 4.99
Even with the SW jib, the Domani is well equipped and you won't miss a genoa
* Dimensionless number. Calculation: 2√S/3√V. The higher the value, the more sail area (S) the ship has in relation to the displacement (V)
YACHT review Domani S 32
A successful daysailer, sailingly demanding and visually strong. The shipyard should rectify the shortcomings in the finish, then the Domani will be a real competitor to the established brands
Design and concept
- + Elaborate design
- + Lightweight and very easy to trailer
- - Construction of the keel bomb
Sailing performance and trim
- + Suitable for one hand
- + Powerful rig
- - Backstay tensioner too weak
Living and finishing quality
- + Large berth dimensions
- + Beautiful detailed solutions
- - Quality finish
Equipment and technology
- + High-quality fittings
- + E-drive as standard
- - Bus system on board
Light and slim
At just 2.50 metres wide, the Domani is easy to trailer. Two tonnes of weight can be easily moved behind a powerful towing vehicle. This opens up a range of terrain options
Error in the finish
The shipyard is still looking for better solutions in some areas. For example, the grip when steering still needs to be improved
Steel keel
The bomb consists of steel plates that are cut and welded together. Epoxy filler creates a smooth surface. However, the process means more volume with less weight
Technical data Domani S 32
- CE design category: B
- Torso length:9,00 m
- Total length: 9,60 m
- Waterline length: 7,96 m
- Width: 2,50 m
- Draught/alternative: 1,80/1,22-2,00 m
- Theoretical torso speed: 6.9 kn
- Weight: 2,0 t
- Ballast/proportion: 0,75 t/38 %
- Mainsail:24,0 m²
- Self-tacking jib: 15,6 m²
- machine (Torqeedo):6 kW/48 V
- Fresh water tanks: 42 l
- Faeces tank (Porta Potti): 10
Hull and deck construction
Vacuum infusion, vinyl ester resin with PVC foam for hull and deck, E-glass and ISO-NPG gelcoat
Equipment and prices
- Base price ex shipyard: 177.905 €
- Price ready to sail:185.990 €
- Comfort price: 198.120 €
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/5 years
Shipyard and distribution
Domani Yachts Antwerp, Kampelaar 17, 2930 Braaschaat; www.domaniyachts.com
The competition of the Domani S 32
Esse 330
This attractive and high-performance weekender with a beautifully finished and cosy interior comes from Switzerland. Even the standard version is equipped to a very high standard.
- Hull length 9.90 m
- Width 2.55 m
- Weight 2.45 tonnes
- from 207,060 euros
Pointer 30
This all-rounder is equally suitable for touring with the family and as a daysailer for short sailing fun in between. The boat comes from Holland and is relatively inexpensive.
- Hull length 9.20 m
- Width 2.90 m
- Weight 2.4 tonnes
- from 132,670 euros
Saffier SE 33 Life
Fun machine and comfortable motorhome in one. The Weekender from the Netherlands is well built and delivers a convincing performance under sail. It also looks very attractive.
- Hull length 9.85 m
- Width 2.85 m
- Weight 3.0 tonnes
- from 213,000 euros
Tofinou 9.7
It is the allure of something special that characterises this strikingly pretty weekender from the Latitude 46 shipyard in La Rochelle. The boat with its variable draught is simple but functional.
- Hull length 9.15 m
- Width 2.99 m
- Weight 2.3 tonnes
- from 201,100 euros
