For nearly four decades, Dencho Marine, operating out of Long Beach, California, carved out a distinctive niche in the marine industry, specializing in the construction of high-quality, limited-production racing sailboats. Founded by Dennis Choate in 1973, the company became synonymous with performance-oriented yachts designed by some of the most respected naval architects of its era. Though no longer in business since 2010, Dencho Marine's vessels continue to represent a significant chapter in American yachting history.
Dencho Marine, Inc. was established in 1973 by Dennis Choate. A longtime boatbuilder, Choate set up his operations in an industrial zone in Long Beach, California, a few miles from the water. While specific details about Choate's initial vision or the company's very first boat are scarce, his background as a seasoned boatbuilder quickly positioned Dencho Marine as a serious contender in the construction of performance sailboats.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1973, Dencho Marine focused on building high-quality, limited-production boats, quickly gaining a reputation for crafting grand prix race boats. The company operated for 37 years before ceasing operations around 2010. While the precise circumstances of its closure are not fully detailed, reports indicate it was related to a lawsuit involving the now-defunct Santa Cruz Yachts.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Dencho Marine earned its reputation by collaborating with leading naval architects to produce yachts designed for competitive racing. The builder was known for its commitment to quality construction, a critical factor for the demanding environment of grand prix sailing. Their vessels were often tailored for specific racing rulesets, such as ORR, PHRF, and Americap, ensuring they were optimized for performance on the racecourse.
Key designers who collaborated with Dencho Marine include:
- Doug Peterson: Known for designing the Adhara 30 (also called Dencho 30) and the Choate 44.
- Alan Andrews: The architect behind successful models like the Andrews 56 and the Andrews 70, both built by Dencho Marine.
- Bill Kernan: Responsible for the design of the Kernan 68, exemplified by the famous racing sled "Peligroso".
This impressive roster of designers underscores Dencho Marine's commitment to cutting-edge performance and its role in bringing some of the most advanced racing designs of the time to fruition.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Dencho Marine's legacy is best represented by its fleet of high-performance sailboats, many of which continue to be active in racing circuits and cherished by their owners.
Among their most significant models are:
- ADHARA 30 / DENCHO 30: Designed by Doug Peterson, this 29-foot 10-inch monohull was built between 1985 and 1986. It was conceived as an MORC 'maxi' and was an evolution of the earlier Pinnacle 29/30.
- Andrews 56: Built with Dencho Marine's signature quality construction, the Andrews 56 was a formidable racer. Examples like "GOOD TROUBLE" were noted for being "Transpac Ready," indicating their suitability for demanding offshore races like the Transpacific Yacht Race.
- Kernan 68 "Peligroso": Launched in 2005, this "racing sled" was meticulously designed to be highly competitive in Southern California under various handicap rules, including ORR, PHRF, and Americap. "Peligroso" remains a well-known name in racing circles.
- Andrews 70: Dencho Marine also produced the larger Andrews 70. The 70-foot "RUNAWAY," delivered in 1995, is a notable example of an Andrews 70 built by Dencho Marine, which has undergone extensive upgrades over the years for continued competitive sailing.
- Other models include the CF-27/Choate 27 and the Choate 44, further demonstrating the builder's diverse portfolio of performance sailing yachts.
These boats were not just about speed; they represented Dencho Marine's dedication to robust construction, allowing them to withstand the rigors of competitive sailing while providing impressive performance.
The Builder Today
Dencho Marine is no longer actively in business, having ceased operations around 2010. Its facility at 1517 W. 15th Street in Long Beach, California, is no longer a shipbuilding hub. While the company itself is defunct, its influence endures through the many high-performance yachts it produced.
Today, Dencho Marine boats occasionally appear on the brokerage market, highly sought after by discerning sailors and racers who appreciate their build quality and competitive heritage. The ownership experience of a Dencho Marine yacht often involves a deep connection to its racing pedigree, with many owners actively participating in regattas and maintaining these vessels to their original high standards. The legacy of Dennis Choate and Dencho Marine lives on in these enduring symbols of American yacht racing excellence.
