Andrews 70 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The performance profile of the Andrews 70 is centered entirely on its power-to-weight ratio and its ability to plane. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the ultralight category, the hull is designed to break free of its bow wave and surf in conditions where heavier yachts would remain displacement-locked. According to Andrews Yacht Design, the design—specifically exemplified by the well-known "Turbo Sled" Runaway—was optimized for high-speed reaching and running, featuring a narrow entry to slice through chop and a flat, wide stern section to provide lift.

In heavy air, the Andrews 70 is known for its "tracking" reliability. Unlike some of its more nervous contemporaries, the Andrews hull maintains a predictable helm even when pushed to speeds exceeding 20 knots. This handling is a result of the deep, high-aspect-ratio fin keel and a large spade rudder that provides significant leverage. However, the boat requires an active and skilled crew; the sail area is immense, and the transition from displacement mode to planing mode can be violent if the trim and steering are not synchronized. While it excels in the trade winds, its upwind performance is surprisingly respectable for a sled, though it lacks the stiffness of a dedicated IRC-optimized lead mine.

Interior Comfort & Variations

As a purpose-built racing machine, the interior of the Andrews 70 is secondary to its structural integrity and weight distribution. The "standard" layout—if such a term applies to custom builds—focuses on a massive, open main salon designed for sail storage and "pipe cot" berthing for a racing crew of 12 to 15. The galley is typically minimalist, located near the pitch center of the boat to minimize the chef's motion, and the navigation station is oversized to accommodate the complex electronics and routing software required for offshore racing.

Variations exist based on the original owner's intent. While some hulls were kept strictly "stripped out" for maximum speed, others, such as Runaway, have seen significant refits over the decades. These modifications often include the addition of lightweight veneers, more permanent bunking, and upgraded heads to facilitate "performance cruising" or more comfortable delivery legs. The use of carbon fiber and honeycomb cores in the interior cabinetry is common, ensuring that even the "comfort" additions do not significantly compromise the yacht’s racing pedigree. Sibling designs, such as the Andrews 68 (often seen in the Kernan/Andrews collaborations) and the slightly smaller Andrews 56, share this "performance-first" interior philosophy but lack the cavernous volume afforded by the 70-foot hull.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Andrews 70 has a storied history in Pacific offshore racing, frequently appearing in the dispatches of the Transpacific Yacht Club. The vessel Runaway (originally launched as Pandora) is perhaps the most documented of the breed, having undergone a massive "Turbo" refit that involved lengthening the hull and deepening the draft to remain competitive against newer designs. The boat has been a frequent subject of coverage in California-based sailing media like Latitude 38, which has chronicled its numerous podium finishes and its role in the evolution of the West Coast racing scene. Another notable Andrews design built in this lineage was Vicki, which helped cement Dencho Marine's reputation for building boats that could withstand the "sled-shattering" waves of the Molokai Channel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing an Andrews 70 is an exercise in technical due diligence, as these boats have been sailed harder than almost any other class of yacht.

• Keel Attachment and Grid: The massive loads generated by the deep keel and high-stability bulb require a perfect bond between the hull and the internal strengthening grid. Buyers should inspect for "frowns" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint or any signs of movement in the floor timbers.
• Composite Fatigue: Early carbon and Kevlar composites from the 1990s can be subject to delamination if moisture has ingressed through deck hardware or if the boat has suffered a hard grounding. A professional thermographic or ultrasonic scan of the hull is mandatory.
• Rudded Bearings and Post: The steering loads on a 70-foot sled are extreme. Check for play in the rudder bearings and inspect the rudder post for any signs of torsional stress or corrosion, especially if it is a carbon fiber post.
• Rigging and Hydraulics: Most Andrews 70s utilize complex hydraulic systems for backstay, vang, and outhaul tension. These systems require frequent servicing. Additionally, if the boat still carries its original rod rigging, it likely requires a full replacement due to cycle fatigue.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data and design history remains Andrews Yacht Design, which maintains records on the "Turbo Sled" evolutions. For operational history and racing results, the Transpacific Yacht Club archives provide a year-by-year look at how these boats performed in their intended environment. Owners and crew typically interface through professional racing circuits rather than formal "owner associations," given the bespoke nature of the vessels.

The Verdict

The Andrews 70 is a specialist’s tool, designed for those who value raw speed and offshore pedigree over the amenities of a floating condo. It remains one of the most cost-effective ways to experience 20-knot sustained speeds on the open ocean.

Pros

• Exhilarating Downwind Speed: Capable of surfing at speeds that modern production cruisers can only achieve on a trailer.
• Proven Construction: Built by Dencho Marine, a yard known for over-engineering their racing hulls to survive the Pacific.
• Enduring Value: As a "Turbo Sled," it maintains a high resale interest for West Coast and Hawaiian racing programs.

Cons

• High Operational Cost: Requires a large, skilled crew and a significant budget for sail replacement and rigging maintenance.
• Extreme Draft: Its deep keel limits access to many marinas and coastal cruising grounds.
• Spartan Accommodations: Not suitable for traditional family cruising without a significant (and expensive) interior refit.