11 Jul
Both the Dehler 46SQ and the Dehler 38SQ impress with their crossover abilities from racing to cruising modes, including an enviable level of comfort and amenities.
Highly regarded in the sailing community, Dehlers are recognised as truly able to transition between comfortable cruising and competitive racing; the epitome of the performance cruiser design.
At 14.94 metres or 49 feet overall the flagship of the range, the Dehler 46SQ combines potent sailing performance and understated luxury. Yachting Monthly put the 46SQ through its paces in Force 6 breeze (22-27 knots) on the Solent and were suitably impressed by the Dehler’s all-round sailing ability and below deck accommodations:
“Bearing away, the acceleration was palpable as the hull took off. We weren’t quite planing but easily topped 9 knots and nudged 10 on GPS”. With the sails furled the Dehler’s dual personality was evident, “the accommodation is stylish, comfortable and practical. Under way or in harbour, both the cockpit and the saloon work well and are pleasant spaces to be.”
SQ stands for speed and quality, with the 46SQ’s performance a notch above the well-performed standard Dehler 46, of which Windcraft has sold ten hulls to date including Ian Edwards’ Wings. Ian and his Corinthian crew have carved-out a racing CV that reads like bucket list of ocean racing’s blue-ribbon events, with some extremely impressive results.
In the 2023 Transpac race from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and up against semi-pro competition Wings finished 13th Overall, 5th in Division 7 and was the 1st Foreign Yacht. Close to home the Dehler 46 was the winner on PHS, and second on IRC in the 2022 Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race, plus having completed five Rolex Sydney to Hobarts with a third in IRC Division 3 in 2021.
The 46SQ offers an appreciable boost over the standard 46 in downwind sailing area (to 284.5 square metres) thanks to a longer bowsprit with bobstay, meaning larger spinnakers. As well there’s an optional staysail that be flown in conjunction with a Code 0.
The Dehler 46SQ features a Facnor Flatdeck furling system in which the drum is significantly lower, allowing for a longer luff and larger genoa sail area. The innovative system is safer and easier to handle, avoiding riding turns and uneven furling on the drum.
As noted earlier the Yachting Monthly test took place in gusty conditions which highlighted the 46SQ’s easy and pleasing sailing characteristics and the fact that the SQ responds quickly to good sail trim.
Boat Comparison: Dehler 38SQ
The Dehler 38 has a well-deserved reputation as a favourite among sailors for its “beautifully balanced” sailing qualities and svelte looks thanks to a flush deck and a gently rising sheerline with near vertical ends.
At LOA of 12.07 metres on 39 feet, 7 inches, the SQ version boasts upgrades of an extended bowsprit, carbon rigging, square top mainsail along with larger hull windows, forward cabin island berth design, higher trim levels and a choice of new finish options.
Leading German sailing magazine Yacht helpfully analysed the Dehler 38SQ in a group test of six performance cruisers, examining the performance and sailing characteristics of each yacht in a direct comparison.
Criteria covered which yachts were easier and more efficient to trim and why. Boat handling and ergonomics for active sailing were also considered.
According to Yacht the 38SQ was a delight to steer, light and responsive on the helm.
“The Dehler 38 SQ is very nice and direct to steer, and its performance potential can be called up pleasingly quickly. With a little rudder pressure, it also provides the helmsman with pleasant and easy-to-implement feedback. And: the boat reacts very quickly to the rudder and is lively, even when manoeuvring. Nevertheless, the Dehler also feels very good-natured and forgives steering errors and inattentiveness.”
Just as much attention has been paid to tweaking in the interior design of the 38SQ with
more natural light below deck from bigger hull windows, while two additional windows have been added to the coachroof.
As well there is the opportunity to highly customise your yacht with designer fittings and even the option of furniture in lightweight foam sandwich.
See the official video explaining what options are available on your Dehler 38SQ:
With the choice of two or three cabins and able to be handled by just two people while comfortable for extended stays at blue water destinations, but then also able to quickly convert to competitive regatta or club racing mode, the Dehler 38SQ melds form and function to deliver optimum sailing experiences.
More information on the Dehler 38SQ and the Dehler 48SQ at:
