Design and Construction
The hull is a resin infusion layup with a solid-glass laminate below the waterline and an Airex foam core above it, while the deck is a balsa-core vacuum-bagged structure that keeps the ends light anchor. Bulkheads are tabbed into hull and deck to promote stiffness, and rigging loads from the double-spreader rig are dispersed through stainless-steel tie-rods glassed directly into the hull, to which the chainplates affix. Keel attachment uses stainless steel bolts, and the builder produced the boat with top-notch woodwork and joinery throughout. The deck itself integrates aluminum toe rails, well-placed solid lifeline stanchions, excellent non-skid, and stainless hand rails on the cabin top for safe foredeck movement.
Rig and Handling
The Selden mast carries double swept-back spreaders on a fractional rig, with Furlex furling gear and a 110% genoa that the furling rig does not impede. Harken Bat cars manage the main, and all halyards and reefing controls lead aft to a pair of winches and clutches on the coach roof, while lazy jacks and an integrated sail cover make dock put-away effortless. On the Chesapeake in a steady 18-to-23-knot breeze, test sailors from Cruising World drove her upwind under double-reefed high-aspect main and partially furled fractional jib at a respectable 5.8 knots, and once cracked off the speed climbed into the mid-6s anchor. The rudder answered constant course corrections with authority except in the heaviest puffs, and a quick mainsheet ease settled her when she threatened to round up. One could easily single-hand the boat.
Accommodations
Below, the accommodation is handsomely rendered in mahogany and cherry, with Corian countertops and cat's-eye ports bringing light into the low coach roof. A separate forward stateroom with V-berth and lockers has standing headroom, while the central saloon offers an L-shaped settee to port, a shorter starboard bench, and a dropleaf table. The port galley is good-sized for the length, with an island sink, refrigerator/freezer, two-burner range with oven, and excellent overhead stowage; ample storage and counter space sit aft to starboard. The head is aft of the navigation station, which faces forward to starboard opposite the galley. An aft stateroom tucks a big double berth beneath the cockpit, and both cabins carry double berths and great storage. A pair of fore-and-aft hatches plus outward-opening saloon hatches ventilate well.
Known Issues
Cruising World's test noted the mainsheet sits atop the coach roof beyond the helmsman's reach, which is not ideal, and the short traveler track forward of it is so far from the action and minimal in length that its trim effect is negligible anchor. The Lewmar 30ST primary winches are undersized, and cockpit foot chocks would help the crew. The steering station is comfortable with good forward visibility from the coaming, but these rigging and cockpit ergonomics points are worth weighing.
Refits and Ownership
Standard equipment centers on an 18-horsepower Volvo diesel with sail drive, Isotherm refrigeration, a pedestal compass, and an instrument pod atop the companionway. The cockpit welcomes with a center-mounted wheel, inlaid teak seats and floor, and a well-done aft teak swim platform. The 120-litre fuel tank and 55-gallon water capacity support extended motoring and cruising range, and the EU Category A rating confirms the design's offshore intent.
The Verdict
The Delphia 33 is a well-built, nicely finished Polish cruiser that punches above its length with real offshore credentials and lively performance under reduced sail. Its infusion construction, tabbed bulkheads, and glassed tie-rod structure speak to a stiff, considered hull, while the cherry-and-mahogany interior is both practical and handsome. The mainsheet and traveler geometry, plus undersized primaries, are the weak notes in an otherwise clean deck plan.
Pros
- Resin-infusion hull with solid glass below and Airex core above; tabbed bulkheads and glassed tie-rods for stiffness
- Fractional Selden rig with furling gear and all controls led aft; easy to single-hand
- Category A offshore rating; tested to mid-6-knot speeds in 18-23 knots
- Handsome mahogany/cherry interior with two double-berth cabins and good ventilation
- Center-wheel cockpit with teak, swim platform, and excellent non-skid
Cons
- Mainsheet beyond helmsman's reach; short traveler track with negligible trim effect
- Lewmar 30ST primary winches undersized
- No cockpit foot chocks as standard
