Andrews 43 Information, Review, Specs

The Andrews 43 emerged from a collaboration between Alan Andrews Yacht Design and Dencho Marine, companies known for their commitment to performance and quality. Alan Andrews, whose firm was established in 1979, specialized in crafting high-performance racing and cruising sailing yachts, integrating advanced design philosophies with robust construction. Dencho Marine, founded by Dennis Choate in 1973 in Long Beach, California, forged a reputation for building limited-production, high-quality grand prix race boats. During the period of the Andrews 43's production, Dencho Marine was well-regarded for partnering with leading naval architects like Andrews to create vessels optimized for competitive racing, often tailored to specific rulesets such as ORR, PHRF, and Americap. The Andrews 43, therefore, embodied this ethos: a vessel designed from the outset for speed and competitive success. There is no indication of significant variations or mark changes across the limited production run of the Andrews 43.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Andrews 43's design ratios underscore its identity as a lightweight, stiff, and exceptionally performance-oriented sailboat. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.57, she is poised for strong performance in lighter air conditions, capable of generating significant speed even in moderate breezes. A high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.43 indicates substantial stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to carry its sail plan effectively and stand up to more wind, translating into a powerful and stable platform on the racecourse. Furthermore, her remarkably low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 137.8 signifies a very light displacement relative to her waterline length, a characteristic typical of high-performance racing yachts designed for speed and agility. Owners have consistently described the Andrews 43 as a "grand prix IMS winner in her day" that remains "still light, still quick." Her fin keel, a common feature in performance designs, contributes to splendid maneuverability. The designer's emphasis on a "speedy hull design" is evident in her lively and responsive handling.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary purpose as a high-performance racing yacht and the limited number of hulls built, the interior accommodations of the Andrews 43 are understood to prioritize functionality over extensive cruising luxuries. While specific detailed interior layouts are not widely documented, racing yachts of this caliber typically feature a more spartan and efficient arrangement. Such layouts commonly include essential amenities for crew comfort during offshore races and regattas, focusing on lightweight construction and efficient use of space rather than lavish finishes or extensive headroom, which is not specified in available data.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Andrews 43 appreciate its enduring performance and competitive heritage. Those who possess these rare vessels often actively participate in regattas, continuing the boat's legacy as a formidable racer. For instance, the Andrews 43 known as "KAHOOTS/IMPACT/IT'S OK" has a documented history of competitive results, including podium finishes in significant offshore races like the Transpac and Newport to Cabo. While the boats are celebrated for their speed and robust build, some owners undertaking refits have noted the potential for addressing "small structural issues" to enhance the vessel for diverse uses, including family sailing. The limited production run of the Andrews 43 means that widespread owner forums or commonly reported issues are less prevalent than for mass-produced models, but the consensus among owners points to a vessel highly valued for its performance and racing pedigree.