Dragonfly 40C Triumphs in Silverrudder 2024
The Silverrudder race is renowned in the sailing community, drawing passionate sailors from around the globe to test their skills and their boats against the elements. In an exceptional display of seamanship and vessel performance, the Dragonfly 40C Performance, named “Tripple Star” and sailed by none other than Jens Quorning, the CEO of Dragonfly, clinched the title for the fastest overall sailing time in the Silverrudder 2024. The boat completed the challenging course with an impressive finish time of 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Challenging Weather Conditions
This year’s race was marked by uniquely challenging weather patterns, featuring light and shifting winds coupled with persistent currents. Competitors also faced thick fog that significantly reduced visibility, making strategic sailing decisions crucial. According to Jens, the race’s trajectory hinged on a pivotal moment just south of the Great Belt Bridge. A significant late shift to easterly winds favored boats positioned furthest east, with the Tripple Star capitalizing on this advantageous position.
“Many smaller boats had to navigate a longer, more complicated route east under the high bridge,” Jens explained, emphasizing the tactical decisions that were necessary to succeed under such fluctuating conditions.
A Race to Remember
As the race unfolded, participants were greeted with beautiful weather, characterized by ample sunshine and a stunning full moon. However, the bliss of daylight quickly transitioned to a dense fog as night fell over northern Funen, heightening the challenges for many teams. The Little Belt, notorious for its fickle wind patterns, posed yet another hurdle, often presenting participants with little to no wind combined with adverse currents.
Sailing through the Little Belt meant navigating light easterly winds towards Helgenæs. Here, the leading boats again faced a scarcity of wind, making tactical foresight key. Those who chose to sail widely around Helgenæs found themselves at a distinct advantage, setting the stage for a thrilling race to the finish.
Performance of the Dragonfly 40C
Throughout the race, the performance of the Dragonfly 40C was nothing short of remarkable. Jens praised the vessel’s design, noting how the Dragonfly 40 is incredibly adept for singlehanded sailing. Its features, including four standard electric winches and a streamlined electric Code-O furler, facilitate ease of sail handling. Given the variable wind conditions, this functionality proved essential.
One of the standout features of the Dragonfly 40 is its impressive 22.5 meter rig, which elevates the sail area and enhances speed, especially in lighter winds. The boat’s stability and spacious cockpit layout allow for efficient sail management, making it particularly well-suited for solo sailing in a competitive environment.
Dragonfly Dominance in Multihull Class
The camaraderie among Dragonfly owners was evident, as a total of 21 multihulls participated in this year’s Silverrudder, with 10 boats from the Dragonfly line alone, featuring models 800, 25, 28, and 40. The strong showing of Dragonfly vessels resulted in a remarkable achievement; three Dragonfly Trimarans secured top-five finishes in both the Multihull Large and Multihull Small categories.
Looking Ahead to Silverrudder 2025
In closing, Jens expressed his gratitude to the race organizers and fellow competitors: “Thank you for a fantastic race. We are thrilled to see so many Dragonfly owners participating in the Silverrudder.” With the exceptional performance showcased this year, the excitement for Silverrudder 2025 is already brewing.
As sailors gear up for the next chapter in this storied race, we can only anticipate more thrilling performances and unforgettable moments on the water. Stay tuned for more sailing news and insights from the Dragonfly team as we continue to push the boundaries of performance sailing.
