The recently-launched 38-metre sailing yacht DAHLAK designed by Philippe Briand and constructed by the Italian Perini Navi shipyard reflects legendary sailing yachts when it comes to the combination of exceptional performance and family comfort. She was launched this spring and is the latest yacht from Philippe Briand’s drawing board to hit the water.
DAHLAK almost on the water
Dahlak’s beautiful lines echo those of her sister ship, multi-award winning S/Y P2. Right from the moment she was launched in 2008, P2 has proved herself as a serious contender on the superyacht racing scene. She has taken part in more than 25 regattas, now boasting a large trophy collection with 15 podium positions and most recently a first place at both this year’s Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and the St Barths Bucket.
Luxury charter yacht P2 at The Superyacht Cup Palma 2013
This superyacht boasts the extraordinary and rare balance of luxury cruising and high-performance racing that Philippe Briand first introduced nearly 20 years ago through the legendary charter yacht Mari-Cha III. Dahlak demonstrates the same DNA, but with two further decades of refinement.
SY MARI CHA II – Sailing
“The first big racing yacht I was asked to design was Mari-Cha III. She was the biggest carbon-hulled yacht to be built at that time and during the building process the family fell in love with the project and expressed their wish for her to also be a family yacht. Since then, Mari-Cha III has been the joy of all the owner’s family, for the grandparents, the children, and the now-adult grandchildren. A yacht that wins the transatlantic race and at the same time still brings pleasure to the owner after 20 years is about as good as it gets. Dahlak follows a similar concept: fast when needed, yet always comfortable and welcoming for the guests, she is built to last.” Briand talks about the trio’s connection.
DAHLAK at Perini Navi – Picchiotti shipyard in Italy
When it comes to Dahlak’s performance, many of the characteristics that made P2 such successful yacht have been carried through to this recently launched superyacht. One of the examples is her hull shape and appendages which are identical and, thanks to her plumb bow and smooth slope aft, she exhibits a long, streamlined waterline length, which, combined with her moderate displacement, delivers in Dahlak a sporty elegance.
Sailing yacht DAHLAK at Perini Navi being launched
The high-efficiency, deep-draft lifting keel, and rudder give the helmsman plenty of control in tight upwind work, as well as in high-speed, broad reaching conditions. Dahlak’s hybrid carbon fibre mast is fitted with full composite standing rigging, which towers 51.5m above the water, and offers a sail plan surface area of over 1,870sqm.
Designed to become an exceptional family yacht that can be sailed in comfort, Dahlak showcases a number technical innovations to offer her owners unparalleled onboard experience in luxury and wellbeing such as a high volume, modern interior that features detailing of Perini Navi quality, together with lightweight materials and cutting edge building technology. This results in a fresh interior with an elegant feel and plenty of light, enhanced by carefully chosen furniture pieces that do not overwhelm or crowd the living areas.
DAHLAK getting ready for launch
Dahlak features the latest generation of fully automated electric captive winches, engineered in-house at Perini Navi. This not only leaves the deck and cockpit unobstructed by sheets and running rigging for enhanced aesthetics, but also improves the safetyfor guests and crew. A further technological development is the lithium polymer battery system ‘Silent Night’, which ensures the quiet running of Dahlak while taking advantage of the latest environmental advancements.
DAHLAK – Mast Stepping
The water ballast system has been removed and replaced by an additional eight tonnes in the keel bulb, which helps to preserve the original stability that made P2 such a comfortable and powerful sailing yacht. The ease of handling the high-aspect-ratio rig has been secured by recessing the genoa and jib furlers in the deck, as well as the development of the 14m furling boom that shelters the full battened mainsail quickly and safely.
Mast stepping of DAHLAK
Undoubtedly, Dahlak will offer her owners with an excellent platform for worldwide sailing with family and friends as well as adventurous and ambitious team racing. This luxury sailing yacht represents a true milestone in Briand’s ongoing quest to achieve the ideal balance between comfortable cruising and sailing performance. She is a technological masterpiece, from which future yachts will be created.
