Dragonfly 36: Quorning Boats surprises with new 11-metre tri

At first glance, you might think that the new Dragonfly is just another version of the recently launched 40-foot model. However, the side view of the centre hull makes it clear that the impression is deceptive, as the new design has a negative wave piercer stern there, just like on the floats. The boat has a fixed, 90-centimetre-long bowsprit to which Code Zero or a gennaker can be attached. The nose also serves as a receptacle for the anchor, which has to be moored particularly far forward of the hull due to the wave piercer bow. The large cockpit is equipped with two steering wheels. All lines are led to four electric winches in the rear area of the cockpit so that the Tri can be sailed single-handed. The Tri should therefore appeal to sporty cruising and single-handed sailors as well as being suitable for regattas such as the Fünen Rund. The shipyard forecasts a maximum speed of 23 knots. This would make the 36 just one knot slower than the 40-foot top model of the Danes.

Two versions for different needs

The Dragonfly 36 is built as a touring version and as a performance version. Both versions have a carbon mast, but they differ in their sail configurations.

Touring version

The touring version is ideal for sailors who value easy handling. It is equipped with a self-tacking jib and has a 16.50 metre mast.

Performance version

If you want more action, the Performance version comes with a two metre higher mast and a larger overlapping furling genoa as well as significantly more sail area overall. The Code Zero alone increases by around 13 square metres. The gennaker even grows by 40 square metres. The construction of the hulls and the weights of the two versions are identical.

Composite instead of steel, innovative folding mechanism

With the help of the SWING WING system typical of Dragonfly-Tris, the width of the 36 can be reduced from 8.12 metres to just 3.7 metres for mooring. The sophisticated mechanics are operated with the electric winch and the new model is the first to feature a fully composite construction. Computer simulations and physical strength tests were carried out to optimise the structure. By eliminating the stainless steel hinges, the forces can be better channelled into the hull and, according to the shipyard, the design is lighter, more stable and easier to maintain.

Comfort below deck

The interior is finished in ash wood as standard, with elm veneer also available as an option. The interior includes double cabins in the bow and in the aft area as well as a separate washroom between the foredeck and the saloon. The galley is located directly at the companionway, with a small navigation table opposite. Like the previous models, the 36 has a two-part line layout below the waterline, with the centre hull deliberately kept slim to minimise resistance. Above this, the width increases significantly, allowing for larger berths and more living comfort.

Pricing

The base price ex shipyard is quoted at 495,000 euros excluding VAT. This means that the Dragonfly 36 is no bargain. However, the standard boat also includes a range of equipment that is usually subject to an additional charge, such as the electric winches and the carbon rig. The structural loads that occur in fast trimarans also require more complex laminates, which means that the prices are not directly comparable with monohull yachts.

Technical data of the Dragonfly 36

• Designer: Olsen Design / Quorning Boats ApS
• Torso length: 11,55 m
• Width: 8,12 m
• Width with retracted floats: 3,70 m
• Draughts: 0.67 m (min.) / 2.00 m (max.)
• Weight ready to sail: 4,5 t
• Mast height: 16.5 m (touring) / 18.50 (performance)
• Mainsail: 60,0/70 m2
• Genoa: 30,0/38,5 m2
• Self-swedish jib: 20,0/25,0 m2
• Gennaker: 110/150 m2
• Code Zero: 60/72,5 m2
• Engine30 Ps /21.3 kW

This might also interest you:

• Cruising in Denmark with the Dragonfly 28
• Cape-WT40: Lightweight trailer tri from England
• Rapido 40: Lightweight trimaran from Vietnam. The test
• Dragonfly 40: The full test report at YACHT online
• Corsair 760: Attractive folding runner on the test bench
• Playground on the water: testing the Astus 22.5
• Carbon rocket: Black Marlin