Maxi Dolphin 65 Information, Review, Specs

The Maxi Dolphin 65 emerged from a collaboration between Maxi Dolphin Boatyard and acclaimed yacht designer Luca Brenta, with its production commencing in 1999. This model represents a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of Maxi Dolphin's work with Luca Brenta and establishing a semi-custom line alongside their bespoke one-off creations. Maxi Dolphin, founded in 1987 by Vittorio Moretti, built its reputation on constructing high-performance sailing and motor yachts from advanced composite materials, a philosophy clearly embodied in the MD65. The yard is known for its meticulous craftsmanship, blending cutting-edge technology with unparalleled elegance, and focusing on creating lightweight boats with simple, reliable systems.

Luca Brenta's design philosophy for the Maxi Dolphin 65 centered on achieving high performance under sail, while simultaneously ensuring comfortable interior spaces and ease of handling. The MD65 project proved successful, leading to a series of five vessels, each with potentially different interior layouts, demonstrating the builder's flexible, custom-made approach.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Maxi Dolphin 65, with its fractional sloop rig and carbon fiber construction, is engineered for impressive sailing performance. Its design prioritizes speed and agility, characteristics often sought in cruiser-racers.

To understand its performance capabilities, several key ratios are insightful:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At approximately 30.24, this is a very high ratio, indicating that the Maxi Dolphin 65 is exceptionally powerful for its displacement. This suggests excellent performance in light air conditions, allowing the boat to accelerate quickly and maintain speed even with minimal wind.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: With a ballast ratio of about 33.4%, this figure, while not extraordinarily high, is combined with a bulb keel, which concentrates weight lower for increased stability and stiffness. This design choice allows the vessel to stand up to a significant amount of wind, translating sail power efficiently into forward motion despite a lighter overall displacement.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: A remarkably low D/L ratio of approximately 98.05 signifies that the Maxi Dolphin 65 is a very light displacement yacht for its length. This further emphasizes its performance-oriented design, contributing to its speed and responsiveness.

Anecdotal reports suggest the Maxi Dolphin 65 handles with precision and can be managed effectively by a small crew, thanks to modern sail-handling systems like hydraulic main and genoa furlers and a Carimat Magic Trim hydraulic system. Its medium-light displacement and advanced rigging contribute to a lively and responsive sailing experience, even while offering the comfort of a cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data is not available, the Maxi Dolphin 65 is designed to offer luxurious and spacious accommodations, especially considering its performance focus. The interior layout is highly customizable, with at least five different configurations available across the production run.

A common arrangement features a large double en-suite master cabin, typically located forward or aft, along with additional cabins, all of which often include their own en-suite bathrooms. For example, a three-cabin, three-head interior layout is noted, often with an additional crew cabin and head situated forward. The design emphasizes comfort without sacrificing interior space, incorporating features like air conditioning and a watermaker for extended cruising. The interior decor often utilizes light woods combined with white leather upholstery, creating a bright and elegant atmosphere. Storage is ample, and the overall finish quality reflects Maxi Dolphin's dedication to luxury and bespoke craftsmanship. A notable feature is often a tender garage and swimming platform, enhancing both convenience and leisure at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Maxi Dolphin 65 consistently praise its blend of high performance and comfortable cruising capabilities. They value the boat's elegant design by Luca Brenta and the advanced construction quality from Maxi Dolphin, particularly the carbon fiber composite hull. The ability to handle such a large, high-performance yacht with a reduced crew is frequently highlighted as a significant strength, thanks to sophisticated hydraulic sail-handling systems. The luxurious and customizable interiors are also a major draw, providing a comfortable living space for extended periods at sea. While specific common problems are not widely detailed in public forums, the focus on high-end construction and custom solutions generally implies a well-maintained and robust vessel, catering to discerning owners who prioritize a unique and high-quality sailing experience.