Design and Construction
The Dragonfly 40 Touring is laid up as a cruising-oriented trimaran with a foam core, vinylester resin, and biaxial fibers, and it adopts modern floats with inverted and voluminous bows plus reverse, wave-piercing entries on the float bows that Quorning notes are both efficient and visually striking. The Swing Wing folding system quickly and easily folds the amas so the beam halves for slip access, and the crossbeams sit well clear of the water. Inside, all wooden panels and trim are finished in elm with hand-sprayed varnish for easy upkeep, while the cleverly designed engine compartment minimizes noise and odor for a serene experience. The 40 is the flagship of the Skaerbek shipyard and shows a more modern silhouette and interior than the earlier Dragonfly 12 M, with an almost luxurious character distinct from that model's definition.
Rig and Handling
All four Dragonfly 40 versions sport trim carbon rigs of varying heights, and the Touring's sleek rig is shared in concept with the Ultimate's taller mast configuration. The Touring leads all running rig aft for quick, simple maneuvers, carries a sophisticated mainsheet system, and uses full electrical furling for every sail. Twin headsails set off by recessed Facnor furlers allow rapid gear changes by point of sail, and Elvstrom EPEX sails—a carbon and Technora blend—proved superb in testing. A natural bowsprit tapers from the central hull bow (a dedicated sprit is optional) for the twin headsails and ground tackle. Twin wheels position the driver outboard of the central hull and provide easy access to the open transom, while advanced electric winches ensure seamless maneuverability. In just over 5 knots of breeze, testers made better than 6 knots, and from medium airs upward the design produces averages above 10 knots.
Accommodations
The Dragonfly 40 Touring offers a spacious dual-zone cockpit and an open transom with a folding composite section that expands the cockpit for relaxation or swimming. Below, the centerboard trunk doubles as a long dining table, and a forward cabin is accessed through a lovely oval doorway. A nifty double berth sits abaft the companionway steps beneath the cockpit, and the overall interior design is stylish with the elm finish noted above. A bow ladder permits forward disembarkation, a practice the reviewer linked to Scandinavian waters.
The Verdict
The Dragonfly 40 Touring is a thoughtfully executed folding trimaran that balances cruising comfort with genuine performance. Its foam-core vinylester construction, wave-piercing float bows, and folding beam make it both a blue-water candidate and a marina-friendly vessel, while the aft-led rig and electric furling keep short-handed sailing manageable. The interior cleverly uses the centerboard trunk and offers discreet berths without sacrificing style. Cruising World's Sailboat Review named it Best Performance Trimaran.
Pros
- Folds to 13-foot beam for monohull slip fit
- Cruising layup with foam core, vinylester, biaxial fibers
- Aft-led running rig and full electric furling for easy handling
- Twin wheels with open-transom access and electric winches
- Centerboard trunk doubles as dining table; extra berth beneath cockpit
- 6+ knot speed in light air, 10+ knot averages in medium airs
Cons
- Greater beam than many docks accommodate when unfolded
- Touring rig shorter than Ultimate's additional 2-meter mast option
