Performance

I’ve got to hand it to judel/vrolijk, they have shone with Dehler’s new 42. I love the fine details. For instance, the razor-sharp line of the coachroof windows forms a stilletto shape in the coaming beneath, and this shape is mirrored in the grabrails on the cockpit table. Whatever it is I’m all in favour of seeing more Dehler-esque boats out sailing on the water.

Looking good is one thing, being good is something else. Dehler is part of the Hanse group, but offers a bit more quality in fit out and deck hardware than the Hanse brand, and they are also built for a bit more speed and power, while still being able to cruise comfortably. With a maximum wind strength of less than 8 knots’ true struggling to ruffle the mirror-like Solent, this wasn’t going to be a taxing sailing test for the Dehler, or exciting for her crew. It was a shame but there was still enough breeze to get some figures and get a feel for her.

I was impressed that she could still Closehauled

Fetch

Beam reach

Broad reach

Run Apparent wind angle

25-30° 60° 90° 120° 180° 8.5-10 knots

7.2-8.4 knots

4.4-5.5 knots

4.3-4.6 knots

1.2-2.2 knots Speed through the water

4.1-4.9 knots 4.8-5.7 knots 4.4-5.3 knots 3.6-3.8 knots 3.0-3.2 knots sail to windward in 6 knots of true wind. OK, if we’d had a foul tide or a tidal gate, I would have been itching to start the engine. As it was we had neither so enjoyed sailing in conditions we normally wouldn’t. With her genoa sheeted well inboard, she was able to point as high as 24° although she was happier in the light conditions to be sailed a little easier. Going down onto a fetch at 60° off the apparent wind, she was making 5 knots with relative ease, and with a little more breeze at times I could feel how much grip her deep spade rudder was providing. Sailing lower our apparent wind decreased so it was less revealing.