The Dragonfly 32 Supreme, built by the Danish shipyard Quorning Boats, represents a high-water mark for the performance-oriented "trimaran-cruiser" category. Introduced as the more aggressive sibling to the Dragonfly 32 Touring, the Supreme was designed by Jens Quorning and Steen Olsen to offer a level of speed and agility typically reserved for racing multihulls, without sacrificing the interior amenities required for extended coastal cruising. The boat’s defining characteristic is its "Swing-Wing" folding system, which allows the vessel to reduce its beam from over 26 feet to just under 12 feet in approximately two minutes, enabling it to fit into standard marina slips. In 2019, the Supreme model was officially succeeded by the Dragonfly 32 Evolution, which introduced larger, wave-piercing floats while maintaining the performance rig that defined the Supreme's lineage.
Dragonfly 32 Supreme Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Dragonfly
- Model
- 32 Supreme
- Builder
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- Designer
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- Number Built
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Dragonfly 32 Supreme is defined by its power-to-weight ratio, featuring a 16.7-meter carbon fiber mast that is roughly 1.5 meters taller than the Touring version. This taller rig supports a significantly larger sail plan—approximately 58 square meters in the mainsail alone—translating into what Sail Magazine described as "sparkling performance" during sea trials. In a 12-to-15 knot breeze, the Supreme easily reaches double-digit speeds, often exceeding 15 knots on a broad reach with a Code 0 or asymmetric spinnaker.
The handling is noted for its "fingertip control," with a remarkably light helm even when the boat is pressed hard. Unlike many multihulls that struggle during maneuvers, the 32 Supreme tacks cleanly without the need to back-wind the jib, a testament to its refined hull shapes and deep, kick-up centerboard. The boat sails remarkably flat; rather than heeling, it simply accelerates as the leeward float (ama) dips in to provide buoyancy and righting moment. While Cruising World noted that the boat feels incredibly stable, sailors must remain attentive to the telltales, as the lack of traditional heel can make it difficult to "feel" when the boat is overpowered.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a performance multihull, the Dragonfly 32 Supreme offers a surprisingly sophisticated living space. The main cabin provides a full 1.93 meters of standing headroom, and the use of high-quality Danish woodwork—standard in maple with optional elm upgrades—creates an airy, Scandinavian aesthetic. The layout is centered around the retractable centerboard trunk, which is cleverly integrated into the folding saloon table to maximize floor space.
The boat accommodates up to six people across three distinct areas: a double V-berth in the bow, a private double aft cabin accessed by sliding the companionway stairs, and two single berths in the saloon. The galley is split across both sides of the companionway, featuring a two-burner stove and an optional oven. Because the beam is concentrated in the central hull, the interior feels narrower than a monohull of similar length, but the expansive "tennis court" of deck space provided by the nets between the hulls offers massive social areas while at anchor.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Dragonfly 32 has enjoyed significant critical acclaim since its launch. It was a nominee for the European Yacht of the Year in 2013 and won the Performance Boat of the Year award from Yachts & Yachting. Its predecessor's design DNA and the evolution of the 32 series have also been featured extensively in multihull-specific media, including Multihulls World and Boats.com, which highlighted the model as perhaps the "fastest habitable boat for the money" in its class.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Dragonfly 32 Supreme should focus their inspection on the mechanical systems unique to the trimaran configuration:
- Swing-Wing Tension: The stainless steel stays and hinges that support the folding floats must be inspected for wear or fatigue. While the system is robust, any play in the hinges can affect the rig’s tension and the boat’s overall rigidity.
- Rudder Kick-up Mechanism: Reports from owner forums suggest that the cam cleat responsible for holding the rudder in the "down" position can occasionally slip at high speeds (above 15 knots). This causes the rudder to kick up partially, leading to a sudden loss of steering control and heavy weather helm.
- Trampoline Condition: The UV-stability of the nets (trampolines) between the hulls is critical. Buyers should look for fraying or "crunchiness" in the material, as replacement is a significant maintenance expense.
- Centerboard Trunk: Inspect the trunk for debris or damage from groundings. The "kick-up" system is designed to protect the hull, but repeated strikes can wear the pivot point or the lifting line.
- Carbon Rig Inspection: Given the Supreme’s taller carbon mast and higher sail loads, a professional rig inspection is mandatory to check for hairline fractures in the laminate or corrosion at the metal fittings.
Community & Resources
Owners and enthusiasts are primarily served by the Quorning Boats Factory Service Center, which provides extensive technical support and original parts. While there is no single global class association, regional Dragonfly groups in Denmark, Germany, and the UK are active, often coordinating "Dragonfly Days" rallies. Technical wikis and maintenance guides are frequently shared through these regional owner clubs and the manufacturer’s direct customer portal.
The Verdict
The Dragonfly 32 Supreme is a niche masterpiece for the sailor who refuses to choose between 20-knot speeds and a comfortable cabin.
Pros
- Exceptional Speed: Outperforms almost any monohull in its size class, particularly on a reach.
- Marina Versatility: The Swing-Wing system makes multihull ownership practical in crowded harbors.
- Shallow Draft: The kick-up centerboard and rudder allow for beaching and exploring thin water.
- Build Quality: Danish craftsmanship is evident in the joinery and structural rigidity.
Cons
- Premium Price: Costs significantly more than equivalent-length monohulls or smaller catamarans.
- Interior Volume: The central hull is narrow; storage for long-term cruising is limited.
- Sensitivity to Weight: Performance drops noticeably if the boat is overloaded with heavy cruising gear.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
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- Hull Type
- — Sailboat
- Keel Type
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- Ballast
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- Displacement
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- Water Capacity
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- Fuel Capacity
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Dimensions
- Length Overall (LOA)
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- Waterline Length (LWL)
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- Beam
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- Draft
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- Max Headroom
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- Air Draft
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Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
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- P (Main Luff)
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- E (Main Foot)
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- I (Foretriangle Height)
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- J (Foretriangle Base)
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- Forestay Length (est)
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- Sail Area
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Calculations
- Sail Area / Displacement (SA/D) Ratio
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- Ballast / Displacement Ratio
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- Displacement / Length Ratio (D/L) Ratio
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- Comfort Ratio
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- Capsize Screening Formula
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- Hull Speed
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