The trimarans produced by this
shipyard are characterized by a folding technology denominated "SwingWing".[2] This allows them to use
marina berths intended for
monohulls and be
trailerable. The smallest model, the Dragonfly 25,[3] is narrow enough (2.3m) to not need special permits, as is the Dragonfly 28 (which at 2.54m is just under the 2.55m legal limit in the European Union).
These trimarans have low
draft and can be
beached since both the
centreboard and the
rudder can be lifted.
History
Quorning Boats was founded in 1967 by Børge Quorning. In 1981 the company dropped the
monohulls and started to produce exclusively the Dragonfly range of trimarans. These early trimarans were not foldable. In 1988-89 the “Swing Wing” system was designed and developed. It was first introduced in 1989 in the Dragonfly 800 Swing Wing, and has been used in all models since.
In 1995,
Jens Quorning, son of the founder, replaced his father at the head of the company.[4] Jens' brother, Eric, runs BSI, a company which supplies parts for Quorning. In total, about 800 boats were produced as of 2007.[5]
Product line
Current models
Dragonfly 25. The smallest model, launched in 2016.[6]
Dragonfly 28. Presented in January 2009 at the
boot Düsseldorf Boat Show,
Germany. It replaced the Dragonfly 800 but has almost as much interior space as the (also discontinued) Dragonfly 920.[7]
Dragonfly 32. This model was launched in the Summer of 2012,[8] replacing the old 920. Its production uses new (for Quorning) production technologies like
3D design, a new 7-axis
CNC-milling machine process and
finite-elements material and stress analysis.[9]
Dragonfly 40. The latest model, launched in 2020,[10] it replaced the 1200.
Specifications, by model (Touring version)
Model
25
28
32
40
Length sailing (m)
7.65
8.75
9.80
12.10
Length folded (m)
9
10
12
14.17
Beam sailing (m)
5.80
6.50
8.00
8.40
Beam folded (m)
2.30
2.54
3.60
4.00
Draft, board up (m)
0.35
0.40
0.50
0.70
Draft, board down (m)
1.50
1.70
1.90
2.20
Weight, ready to sail (kg)
1050
1950
3400
5800
Mainsail (m2)
24
37
48
65
Furling genoa (m2)
10
19
26
33
Code 0 furling (m2)
17
37
57
65
Asymmetric spinnaker (m2)
45
65
95
110
Bowsprit length (m)
NA
1.60
1.80
0.75
Water tank (L)
NA
90
120
220
Holding tank (L)
NA
60
60
75
Payload incl crew (kg)
NA
725
1200
1800
Previous models
Dragonfly 600. Small, open trimaran with demountable
floats. Only 11 were built before the model was discontinued in 1994, due to it being "too expensive to produce".[11][12]
Dragonfly 25 MK 1. Older smaller model, predecessor of the 800.
Dragonfly 800 MK I. In 1985, Erik Quorning came 1st in the Round Great Britain and Ireland race in one of these boats.[13]
Dragonfly 800 MK II. A non-swingwing model predecessor of the more recent Dragonfly 800.[14]
Dragonfly 800 MK III (Swing Wing). This model was introduced in August 1989[15] and was replaced by the Dragonfly 28 in 2009. There were two versions, Cruising and Racing, differing on the size of mast and sails. About 300 were built.[16] Olympic sailing legend
Paul Elvstrøm’s last boat, which he owned for 10 years, was a (modified) DF 800.[17]
Dragonfly 920. This model existed in two versions: Touring and Extreme. The Extreme version has the same center hull as the Touring, but longer arms and floats making it wider when unfolded, which allows the use of a taller
mast and bigger
sails. It is approximately 15% faster.[18]
Dragonfly 35. This model is an
offshore and
oceancruiser. It replaced the Dragonfly 1000. As with the 920, two versions exist: Touring and Ultimate. The Ultimate has a taller
mast and bigger
sails, but the same
beam as the Touring version.
Dragonfly 800 in folded position
Dragonfly 800 in extended position
Dragonfly 1000. Replaced by the Dragonfly 35.
Dragonfly 1200. Replaced by the Dragonfly 40.
Awards
Dragonfly 1000 - "Boat of The Year 1994" from Sailing and Cruising World magazines!
Dragonfly 600 - "Boat of the Year 1995" from Sailing World magazine
Dragonfly 1200 - "Boat of the Year 2001" award from Cruising World magazine