Dibley Yacht Design

Dibley 55' Pilothouse Performance Cruising Yacht

Designed as a fast, performance orientated cruising yacht; emphasis was also put into an open and comfortable interior plan.

The hull is designed with a fine ‘U’ shaped entry, a moderate beam and a well-balanced hull volume distribution allowing good load carrying capacity without affecting the performance characteristics of this design.

A lifting keel allows access to areas that are usually unattainable to yachts of this size, while at the same time allowing real upwind performance. The lifting range is from 1.80 metres – 3.00 metres.

The foil and bulb shape will be designed to provide maximum lift with minimal drag and lessons learnt from the Volvo Yachts.

The Deck layout is simple. This yacht is more than capable in sailing single-handed and yet allows plenty of room for manoeuvring with full race crew. Most of the crew will be ‘rail bait’ though as there will not be a lot for them to do.

The sail area is large with the presumption that when shorthanded sailing, a reef is put into the main. 25 degree swept spreaders allows the elimination of running backstays and the jib LP will allow effortless tacking.

We have drawn in a Leisure Furl Boom and full-length battens, which we’ve had great success with.

We have lifted the cockpit floor and dropped the cabin profile to ensure that site lines are good and we also lifted the helm station level a notch to further gain visibility as well as allow comfortable sitting for the helmsman on the coaming.

A 2.0 metre carbon prod will be used to fly the large gennakers that suit yachts of this type and the prod will be pulled back into the confines of the hull when not in use.

The interior is open with emphasis put in interior / exterior flow. Two steps down the companionway brings you onto the first level, which comprises the port aft cabin, starboard day head, starboard aft facing navigation station and galley to port.

The u-shaped lounge/sitting area is raised to allow panoramic views outside. It also allows the engine to placed underneath with enough room for ventilation and soundproofing.

Just forward of the galley is a step down into the forward accommodation area. To port, there are two single bunk berths with access to the large head/shower to starboard (between mast and centrecase). Forward of the mast is the owners cabin with plenty of hanging lockers, storage and ensuite access.