Why the DK46 is a modern classic: design and specifications

Many race boats are outdated in five years. Twenty years after its first launch, the DK46 still wins. Here is why.

Three design goals

Mills Design and DK Yachts set three goals: a hull and foils optimised for racing, a competitive rating, and a spacious, comfortable interior (Racing-Yachts). The result is a true dual-purpose yacht: a start line by day, dinner in the saloon by night.

Built from a 3D model

According to the designer, the DK46 was one of the first sailboats anywhere to be completely designed, engineered and have its moulds built directly from 3D modelling software — a collaboration of Mills Design in Europe, FCS engineering in the US and DK Yachts in Malaysia (Mills Design).

Key numbers

• Length: 14.10 m
• Beam: 4.10 m
• Draft: 3.00 m
• Displacement: 8,650 kg
• Built: 12 yachts

Figures from SailboatData and Mills Design. The full Guts & Glory spec table is on Yacht & crew.

Proven by results

Hull 4 won the Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco; another hull won four Copa del Rey titles in Mallorca. More in DK46 and the Copa del Rey. Want to feel it yourself? See the upcoming regattas.

Sources

• Mills Design — DK 46 IRC Cruiser/Racer
• SailboatData — DK 46
• Racing-Yachts — DK 46