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Once again, Dragonfly Sailboats has furnished the winner in the Performance
Multihull Category. Last year Dragonfly 1000 provided a winning combination of comfort and
performance. This year the Dragonfly 600 shows the way by blending sizzling beach-cat
performance with daysailing and camping utility. The smallest boat in the category, the
Dragonfly faced strong competition from a trio of 30-foot trimarans, but its exhilarating
performance won out.
Although it lacked the interior amenities of the bigger boats, the Dragonfly's
versatility, simplicity, and well-mannered sailing performance were too strong to deny,
Through thoughtful use of the center hull, the Dragonfly 600 has overcome the
one-dimensionality which has often prevented smaller multis from winning this category in
the past.
By broadening the focus beyond high-speed racing, the Dragonfly 600 calls you
out to go sailing, even when there isn't a race. Large watertight storage compartments in
the bow and under the cockpit provide ample room to stash everything necessary for a
weekend of exploring and camping. And even if only out for a day, it's nice to have a
place to keep a jacket, a camera, or lunch where it's dry. The center hull also provides
the ability to easily mount a small outboard motor (which can be stowed aboard),
effectively ending the long paddles home when the wind quits.
Veteran beach-cat sailors will welcome the opportunity to sit normally, with their legs in
the cockpit, rather than tucked up under them on the tramp, or straight-legged on the
trapeze. The cockpit, 15-plus feet of beam, and generous volume in the main hull means
that there is room and buoyancy enough or three or four people to comfortably get out for
an afternoon sail.
Underway in 15 to 18 knots of wind with a short chop, the 600 accelerated as
quickly as the mainsail could be trimmed. Upwind it proved to be fast and stable with a
light helm that balanced well and was very responsible. The 15 feet of beam and two
trapezes generated more than enough righting moment for the boat's high-aspect ratio sail
plan. Unlike the big French offshore tris, the Dragonfly 600 lets you know when you are
pressing too hard by burying her leeward hull, rather than flying her main hull. Though
this may be seen as a performance compromise, it will appeal to less skillful sailors.
Tacking, the 600 pivoted quickly on her daggerboard, making it a lively challenge to get
off the wire, across the boat, and back out before the 600 accelerated away on the new
tack.
Downwind the Dragonfly sets a small asymmetrical spinnaker tacked to a bowsprit.
In 18 knots of breeze there was plenty of speed and excitement, but several panelists felt
that in any less wind a bigger chute would have helped keep the fun meter pegged.
Like its larger sisters, the Dragonfly 600 exhibits clean lines and quality
construction. The glass work is solid and well finished, and hardware and rigging follow a
well-conceived theme of simplicity. It's just that simplicity, plus the stability and
responsiveness of the Dragonfly 600 that make it a good choice for sailors making the
transition into multihull sailing. The boat (with a base price of $19,000) provides plenty
of performance while staying away from the ragged edge found at maximum speed.
Ultimately, fun and function are what the game's all about, and both are why the
Dragonfly 600 won its category. Said Sally Lindsay, "it was lots of fun to sail;
lively and easy to steer." In turn, each of the panelists came away from this boat
grinning ear to ear - they couldn't help themselves.
- Peter Wormwood
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