Delphia 29 (2004-2007) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Delphia 29 in 2004 coincided with a period of growth and strategic development for its builder, Delphia Yachts. The company, originally founded as Sportlake in 1990 by brothers Piotr and Wojciech Kot, officially embraced the Delphia Yachts identity in 2003. From its inception, Delphia focused on building small sailing boats, leveraging Poland's rich boat-building heritage. The Delphia 29 reflects this ethos, designed by Andrzej Skrzat, a respected Polish yacht designer known for his contributions to Delphia's models.

A notable aspect of the Delphia 29's design is the variety of keel options offered during its production run. Buyers could choose from a lifting keel, a fin keel, a shoal keel, or a deep fin keel, providing versatility to suit different cruising grounds and preferences, from shallow inland lakes to deeper coastal waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 350 square feet and a displacement of 7,937 pounds, the Delphia 29's sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 13.97 suggests it is designed as a steady cruiser rather than a light-wind performance racer. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of about 33.3% indicates a good level of stability, making it reasonably stiff in moderate conditions, though perhaps not an extreme performer in very heavy air. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 222.27 places the Delphia 29 firmly in the moderate displacement cruiser category, balancing comfortable motion with respectable performance for its class.

Anecdotal reports describe the Delphia 29 as nimble, stable, and responsive to the helm, making it a joy to sail and easily handled. Its design prioritizes a balanced and predictable sailing experience, well-suited for leisurely cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Delphia 29 is characterized by its spaciousness and well-thought-out utilization of available space, maximizing comfort for its crew. With a maximum headroom of 6.17 feet, the cabin offers comfortable standing room for most individuals. The layout typically accommodates six berths across two cabins, providing ample sleeping arrangements for families or multiple guests. The boat is also equipped with a freshwater capacity of 20 gallons (75.7 liters). The cockpit features an open aft design, enhancing space and accessibility. Generally, the interior finish and use of materials aim for a comfortable and practical cruising environment, aligning with Delphia's focus on "mindful cruising."

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Delphia 29 consistently praise its interior design, highlighting the efficient use of space and overall comfort for its size. Its stable and responsive handling characteristics are frequently mentioned as positive attributes, contributing to a pleasant sailing experience. While generally well-regarded, discussions among owners occasionally touch upon common considerations for boats of its type, such as the inherent complexities that can arise with lifting keel mechanisms, though this is a general characteristic of such systems rather than a specific fault of the Delphia 29 itself. Some owners have also noted that due to Delphia's origin and market focus, the brand might be less recognized in certain regions, which could potentially influence resale in some areas.