Andrews 70 Information, Review, Specs

The Andrews 70 emerged from a design philosophy centered on creating high-performance racing yachts, a specialty of Alan Andrews Yacht Design. The builder, Dencho Marine, founded by Dennis Choate in 1973, had established itself as a producer of high-quality, limited-production grand prix race boats. This collaboration between a visionary designer and a builder committed to robust construction ensured the Andrews 70 was optimized for the demanding environment of competitive sailing.

Launched in 1994, the Andrews 70 quickly proved its mettle on the racecourse. A notable example, "Cheval/Pegasus," showcased the design's potential by finishing first in the Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac) in 1995. Other sisterships like "Victoria," "Magnitude," and "Vicki" further demonstrated the design's success. The yacht "RUNAWAY," delivered in 1995, and "Trader," which successfully completed Transpac campaigns in 2019 and 2023, underscore the model's enduring competitive edge and the dedication of its owners to continuous upgrades, such as "RUNAWAY's" new Omohundro carbon fiber rig installed in 2000. These vessels were built to be Ultra Light Displacement Boats (ULDB), reflecting a design trend focused on maximizing speed by minimizing weight.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Andrews 70's design brief as a "turbo sled" translates directly into its impressive performance characteristics. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 31.45 is exceptionally high, indicating that the boat is significantly powered for its displacement, ensuring excellent performance even in light air and the ability to accelerate quickly. The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of about 45.24% points to a high degree of initial stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to carry its large sail plan effectively and stand up to more wind without excessive heeling. Furthermore, with an extremely low displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 54.35, the Andrews 70 is classified as a very light boat for its length, optimized for maximum speed and minimal wetted surface area.

These ratios combine to define a pure racing machine with a reported hull speed of 10.38 knots. Owners and enthusiasts frequently describe the Andrews 70 as embodying the "Fast is Fun" ethos, testament to its exhilarating performance and responsive handling. Its pedigree as a "proven blue water racing boat" highlights its capability to perform reliably and competitively in demanding offshore conditions, making it a formidable contender in races like the Transpac.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a grand prix racing yacht, the Andrews 70's interior accommodations are typically utilitarian and focused on functionality for the crew rather than luxurious cruising comforts. While specific detailed interior layouts for the Andrews 70 are not widely publicized, the nature of ULDBs and racing sleds suggests a layout optimized for efficiency, weight savings, and crew access to vital systems during races. This often means a spartan finish with minimal permanent fixtures, prioritizing berths and navigation stations over extensive galleys or elaborate salons. The design philosophy of such high-performance vessels often sacrifices interior volume and amenities for speed, suggesting that there would not be an abundance of interior space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Andrews 70 are typically dedicated racers who appreciate the yacht's exceptional build quality and competitive heritage. The boats are often meticulously maintained, with examples like "Condor" being described as one of the "nicest maintained 70 Footer on the market today." Owners frequently engage in regattas and undertake significant upgrades, such as the carbon fiber rig on "RUNAWAY," to ensure their vessels remain at the forefront of competitive sailing. The ownership experience is deeply connected to its racing pedigree, with some owners, like those of "Trader," willing to share their extensive knowledge gained from successful offshore campaigns, emphasizing the strong community and shared passion among those who race these powerful yachts. The consistently praised strengths revolve around its speed, stability, and its ability to deliver an exhilarating sailing experience.