Andrews 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Andrews 42 emerged from a period when Dencho Marine, founded by Dennis Choate in 1973, had established itself as a builder of high-quality, limited-production racing sailboats. Alan Andrews, who had worked as a draftsman with Doug Peterson Yacht Design in 1976 and joined Dencho Marine in 1977 as an in-house designer and engineer, was instrumental in shaping the company's performance-oriented ethos. Dencho Marine was known for collaborating with leading naval architects and tailoring vessels for specific racing rules, ensuring their optimization for the racecourse. The design philosophy behind Alan Andrews' creations, including the Andrews 42, consistently specialized in creating performance racing and cruising sailing yachts, prioritizing high-performance sailing.

The Andrews 42 features a robust fiberglass hull, designed with a versatile keel/centerboard configuration and a spade rudder. This combination was intended to offer both excellent upwind performance and the ability to reduce draft for access to shallower waters, although with the centerboard fully extended, the draft can be substantial, ranging from approximately 7.41 to 7.71 feet, which may limit entry into some marinas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Andrews 42 exhibits characteristics of a performance-oriented vessel, evident in its design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.93, she is well-powered, suggesting strong performance in lighter air conditions while still being capable in heavier breezes. The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio stands at a significant 47.15%, indicating exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to carry sail effectively and stand up well to wind pressure. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 222.43 places her in the moderately light to medium category for performance boats, striking a balance between weight and speed.

The Andrews 42 is capable of a theoretical hull speed of 7.61 knots. Anecdotal evidence from racing circuits highlights the model's competitive capabilities, with examples such as "Free Enterprise" achieving notable results, including a first-place finish in the 2000 Ocean Racing Series. Alan Andrews' designs are broadly recognized for their successful racing pedigree and performance-driven characteristics. The keel/centerboard and spade rudder configuration contribute to responsive handling and directional stability across various points of sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Andrews 42 are not extensively documented in general reviews, the vessel is designed to offer accommodations suitable for both cruising and racing crews. The interior features a water capacity of 20 gallons (75 liters), which is a key utility for extended time aboard. As with many performance cruisers of her era, one can expect a functional layout typical of a yacht of this size, likely including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head compartment. The design emphasis on performance often means interior volume might be slightly less expansive than pure cruising yachts, prioritizing efficient use of space and weight.