At just over 40 feet overall, the boat folds from more than 27 feet of beam to 13 feet. The result is a versatile platform that redefines family offshore cruising through speed, comfort, and pure sailing fun.
Design and Construction
The Dragonfly 40 Touring is built as a cruising-oriented trimaran using a foam core, vinylester resin, and biaxial fibers. Its modern floats have inverted, voluminous bows and reverse, wave-piercing entries. Quorning describes the float bows as both efficient and visually striking, while the crossbeams sit well clear of the water.
The Swing Wing system folds the amas quickly and easily, roughly halving the boat’s beam for access to marina slips. With the amas extended, however, its beam is greater than many docks can accommodate.
The 40 is the flagship of Quorning’s Skaerbek shipyard. Compared with the earlier Dragonfly 12 M, it has a more modern silhouette and interior, with an almost luxurious character distinct from that model’s definition.
Inside, all wooden panels and trim are finished in elm with hand-sprayed varnish for easy upkeep. The engine compartment is cleverly designed to minimize noise and odor for a serene experience.
Rig, Deck Layout, and Handling
All four Dragonfly 40 versions carry trim carbon rigs of varying heights. The Touring’s sleek rig shares its basic concept with the Ultimate’s taller mast configuration. The Touring rig is shorter than the Ultimate’s additional 2-meter mast option.
All running rigging leads aft for quick, simple maneuvers. The boat also has a sophisticated mainsheet system and full electric furling for every sail. Twin headsails, set on recessed Facnor furlers, allow rapid sail changes according to the point of sail. During testing, the Elvstrom EPEX sails—a blend of carbon and Technora—proved superb.
A natural bowsprit tapers from the bow of the central hull and carries the twin headsails and ground tackle; a dedicated sprit is optional. Twin wheels place the driver outboard of the central hull and leave easy access to the open transom. Advanced electric winches further simplify maneuvering.
In just over 5 knots of breeze, testers made better than 6 knots. From medium airs upward, the design produces averages above 10 knots.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The Dragonfly 40 Touring has a spacious, dual-zone cockpit and an open transom. A folding composite section extends the cockpit for relaxing or swimming, while a bow ladder allows passengers to disembark forward—a practice the reviewer associated with Scandinavian waters.
Below, the centerboard trunk serves a second purpose as a long dining table. An oval doorway leads to the forward cabin, and a useful double berth sits abaft the companionway steps beneath the cockpit. The elm finish gives the overall interior a stylish appearance.
Verdict
The Dragonfly 40 Touring is a thoughtfully executed folding trimaran that balances cruising comfort with genuine performance. Its foam-core vinylester construction and wave-piercing float bows support its blue-water focus, while the folding beam makes marina access more practical. Aft-led running rigging, electric furling, and electric winches help keep short-handed sailing manageable.
Below, the layout makes clever use of the centerboard trunk and provides a discreet additional berth without sacrificing style. Cruising World’s Sailboat Review named it Best Performance Trimaran.
Pros
- Folds to a 13-foot beam to fit a monohull slip
- Cruising layup uses a foam core, vinylester resin, and biaxial fibers
- Aft-led running rigging and full electric furling simplify handling
- Twin wheels provide open-transom access; electric winches ease maneuvering
- Centerboard trunk doubles as a dining table, with an additional berth beneath the cockpit
- Better than 6 knots in light air and averages above 10 knots from medium airs upward
Cons
- Unfolded beam exceeds what many docks can accommodate
- Touring rig is shorter than the Ultimate’s additional 2-meter mast option
