The introduction of the sport cruising version of the Dolphin 28 was inspired by racing return customers because reserve performance potential in the original design became obvious. Hence the desire for higher performance can be fulfilled and we can build a better performer boat especially in light wind conditions. This can be achieved with the same hull and a redesigned, lighter furniture inside.

Deck equipment is also upgarded with bigger winches and more refined line handling. The 9/10 fractional rig is taller and equipped with two sets of spreaders and a top spinnaker halyard. We use more weight in the keel (maximum 1200kg allowed by class regulations), 5,5 square meters more sail area, and race cut sails from high tech materials. Tha boat has a racing eletronics package too.
Test

I know the Dolphin 28 well so its not the usual article about a boat that we tried only for a few hours.

I have already spent a week on the boat. It was my boat for the nationals once, and once for a local regatta in Kenese before this occasion. I sailed only with the shorter rigged boat before. In 2003 the boat I sailed in the nationals originated from the tool for the mold and therefore it was heavier than normal. I am convinced that this is a great boat. Let’s look at what has not been changed since I wrote it in an article in 2002 about the boat: „Standing headroom is more than 190cm in the salon, 180cm in the aft cabin and in the toilet. You have 170cm headroom in the fore cabin where you step in. It isn’t that bad, is it? The lenght of the triangular bunk in the focsle is 210cm that yields confortable sleeping. The assimmetrical seats in the salon can be converted into a 195cm long berth for two by lowering the salon table on the right side. There is a 160cm sofa in the opposite side. Besides is a galey with a two burner stove combined with a sink with pressurized water. On the left side of the salon behind the galey is a door for the after cabin. Space in the after cabin is also above average with a 220cm long berth.

The interior follows traditional boatbuilder values. I feel a bit of disharmony with the exterior and the cockpit. Good quality white upholstery makes it less pronounced, but a lighter than mahogany wood finish would be desired.”

It seems that our tests are followed because this actual boat has light cherry wood interior. It has been well received.

We arrived 15 minutes earlier to the boat so we spent some time in the cockpit. This is a nice boat – we agreed. Forms are in harmony, pristine clean execution, fresh, modern, functional design. The 12,5 m mast fits well to the boat. Mainsail and genoa are both six and a half square meters bigger in area than the previous models. The spinnaker area has been doubled. This is a true lake rig – as it later shows.

We leave the harbour in a force 2 but freshening west wind. We are passing the breakwater on and off to get into position for the photos. We maneouvre a lot. The boat is easy on the helm, turns effortlessly, tacks with minimal leeway. We are maneouvreing close to the shore. We sailed to the outer jetty under engine first and then under sail. All without any fuss.

With this taler rig the boat became a real sports cruiser. You can sail with minimal twist in the sails in up to 2-3 beaufort, over it you have to open the top of the sails. The boat can be controlled by adjusting the traveller and genoa car up to force 4. If wind speed exceeds this you are forced to reef. Better to have a double grooved genoa foil and change genoa to a fock than reefing the main. I am aware that this will incerase speed but decrease comfort levels. This can be a hard decision. A sports cruiser can be outfitted with all the equipment you can find on race boats. You can have a lighter rig, and runners can be used, etc. In racing mode a six man crew is optimal, there is enough work for them. The test boat is equipped with a genakker wich is a good and confortable solution. As there is no bowsprit the sail will be too close to the mainsail and the boat can not go deep enough. For this boat a spinnaker could be better solution. The spinnaker is close to hundred square meters which is a nice job to manage.

The Dolphin 28 SC is a sports boat with all the advantages of a cruiser. It has comfortable accomodation and good sail performance. Compromise? Of course, but from the opposite point of view it is a cruiser where even a like-minded hardcore racer feels comfortable.
Farkas Litkey

Technical Data
Full length: 8,75 m
Waterline length: 7,75 m
Beam: 2,95 m
Dive: 1,25 m / 1,50 m
Net weight: 3,03 t
Ballast: 1,18 t
Mast: Kétszálingos árboc, + 80 cm,
9/10-es Forstag bekötés
Mainsail: 22,50 m2
Foresail: 14,00 m2
Genoa: 20,50 m2
Spinnaker: 58,00 m2
Saloon height: 1,90 m
Front cabin height: 1,75 m
Achter cabin height: 1,83 m