dk 46 sailboat

• Our Philosophy
• Our Partners
• RESULTS Our Track Record
• NEWS Our Blog
• CONTACT Get In Touch!

DK 46 IRC Cruiser/Racer

46′ IRC Cruser/Racer has brought performance and comfort together by winning on 6 continents.

Mills Design and DK Yachts teamed up in 2002 to produce a production IRC design which delivered new levels of performance and comfort. Marketed by Boat Sales International, the DK46 brought together three design criteria to achieve the highest performance IRC cruiser/racer: a hull and foils optimised for racing; a specification which will provide a competitive IRC rating; and a spacious and comfortable interior. The result was a genuinely dual-purpose yacht.

The first DK 46 “Erivale”, was launched in late 2003 for a UK owner, who went out and won his first five races across a range of conditions, beating Swan 45’s, Corel 45’s, and Ker 11.3’s among others in Solent Winter Series Racing and the HWS Charity Pursuit Race. This performance was a promising start to her career as a true dual-purpose Racer/Cruiser, boasting an exceptional interior, a no-compromise deck layout with seats and coamings for more relaxed sailing, and a unique combination of quality construction and attractive pricing made possible by the the competitive location of high-tech builder DK Yachts in Malaysia. These features ensured the DK 46 had global appeal: of the 12 built for example hull 2 ‘Drumstick’ went to Hong Kong, 3 ‘Fidessa Fastwave’ to the UK, hull 4 Zephyra won the Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco, and hull 5 Dekadence is in Melbourne.

The DK46 hull shape is geared to perform through a wide range of conditions, balancing light airs pace with the need for speed in a breeze and reaching. The central design theme is reducing resistance both through reduced wetted surface area and wave-making drag, separating out the stability requirements to be met by the large ballast package and deep fin. With increased rule support for aft-swept spreaders and non-overlapping rigs, the preferred rig solution is a tall carbon two spreader fractional rig with halyards for both masthead and fractional spinnakers. Rig dimensions have been carefully adjusted to balance aspect ratios and areas avoiding any weakness in light conditions. Off wind the masthead spinnakers on over-length poles set new levels of performance in all conditions. This simple rig configuration promotes a clean and optimised deck layout, featuring contoured seats and coamings in the cockpit, ensuring relaxed comfort while cruising with no impedance to efficient racing. Driven by twin carbon wheels, placed well outboard for maximum visibility, the driver is close to his mainsheet and tactical hands. Underdeck mainsheet and traveller leads maintain a tidy and snag-free working area, and helps bring all the major adjustments to the main trimmer. Stability is provided by the SG iron fin and large lead bulb, while the carbon rudder and stock ensure accurate responses and sensitive control.

In conjunction with Mark Tucker of Design Unlimited we created an interior that reflects the dual purpose nature of the yacht: the galley and navigation area use the full length of the starboard side of the saloon,with a comfortable, horseshoe shaped settee to port. The spacious and light saloon utilises the full width of the central hull, while leaving an open central path for access to sails when racing. Forward of the mast is a double berth cabin with adjacent head and hanging lockers. Aft of the companionway are either two double berth cabins, a combination of one double berth cabin to port and a double pipecot cabin to starboard, or an all pipecot layout for the committed racing owner. Modern styling and finishes make this yacht stand out from its competitors: a selection of interior finishes and furnishings have been carefully coordinated to compliment each other and reflect the refined approach of the builder.

This design allows us to display the full range of technical sophistication which Mills Design with engineer FCS and DK Yachts have developed. John Fox of FCS has a long background in production building in the US, which makes him very popular with builders, such as DK and Aerodyne for whom he has supplied complete engineering, along with his modelling and rendering skills using Solidworks. The DK46 is the best example of our ‘distributed development’ model of collaborative work methods in practice, uniting Mills Design in Europe, FCS in the US, and DK in Malaysia, one of the most technologically advanced builders in the industry with a dedicated drawing office, 8 station IBM Catia drafting suite, all outputting to a 25m 5 axis milling machine. For the DK46 project they required components to be delivered fully modelled, complete with rebates and flanges ready for assembly. FCS have been a leader in this sort of work, and DK were extremely impressed with what they received, comprising 48 separate parts including the structural IGU molding which they felt was the most complex single part they have milled yet for one of the first sailboats anywhere to be completely designed, engineered, and have molds built directly from 3-d modelling software. Added to this is the multinational element of a European designer working hand in hand with a specialist composites engineer in the US, for delivery to a builder in Malaysia, in what turned out to be a very successful set of relationships – one that confirms that the future of the industry is to be less geographically constrained in order to build the best boats wherever and however that may be. The DK46: A refined synthesis of speed and comfort. True cruiser/racer performance without compromise.

Project Data

Share this:, related projects you might also be interested in these.

Launched in Slovenia for a U.S. client, this performance design combines the casual elegance of an

The Cayman 28 is an all-carbon sportsboat drawn for an experienced Cayman Islands sailor to race

Flying Nikka

The challenge set for us by repeat client Roberto Lacorte for Flying Nikka was not just to have a

The MAT 1220 is our latest design for a new generation of IRC racers from MAT, emphasising

The Vismara 68 Mills ‘Pelotari Project’ is a truly dual purpose Racer/Cruiser, combining

IC37 by Melges

The first IC37 has hit the water to rave reviews.  Hull 001 was out sailing within 24 hours of her

MD75 by Mills

‘Karma’ the first MD75 by Mills has just hit the water and is already turning heads with its

wallycento Tango

Mills Design is excited to have been chosen to design Tango, the next high performance Wally 100

Cape 31 One Design

  The Cape 31 was defined from the outset as a simple clean high performance One Design without

Vismara 50 Mills

The Vismara 50 Mills is our third collaboration with the progressive Italian yard Vismara

Premier IRC 45

Concubine, the first of our latest PCT 45 IRC racing design from Premier Composite Technologies in

Vismara 56 Mills

Our latest collaboration with Vismara Marine is the Vismara 56 Mills high performance cruiser

Used Yachts For Sale

Sail monohulls 40ft > 50ft,        dk boats for sale, dk 46 boats for sale.

• America’s Cup Updates
• Southampton Boat Show
• British Yachting Awards
• Print Subscription
• Digital Subscription
• Single Issues

Your special offer

DK46 Review

The new DK 46 by Mills Design has had a great introduction to the racetrack, being unbeaten so far. Andi Robertson took her for a spin to see if she lives up the hype.

The long-awaited Mills Design DK 46 made a pretty significant impression on the 2003 Tyco Hamble Winter Series, winning every race they entered. After an unexpected delay waiting for shipping to the UK from the builders in Malaysia, the boat gave a good account of itself in the full range of winter conditions and proved a nimble performer across the wind ranges. The 46-footer was designed by Mills as the ultimate IRC-bred all-rounder. The original idea came from DK’s Hannes Waimer, who was looking for an IRC design for the Far East and Australia, and Boat Sales put him on to Mills.

The brief warrants a boat which is at home and competitive in light winds, the 6-9 knots of the Far East or the Med, as well as the typical 10-18 knots we enjoy through our summer months of UK sea TEST DK 46 DK 46

breezes and in San Francisco, where one of the four DK 46s sold so far is going. Similarly, genuine comfortable offshore potential was written large in the brief. While it may not exactly be staid, fast cruising is an option.

On the racetrack it is designed to reap the rewards of clear water and clear air, somewhere behind the 50-footers and the IC-45s but ahead of the Swan 45s. On IRC the good Swans will be a contest, and the DK 46 gains about one minute in the hour on the 45s. The DK was conceived to meet the steady demand for this size of modern cruiser-racer. It’s for the discerning owner who knows what he wants: something a little different from the homogenous plastic production runs, without spending a fortune on a custom boat.

By cruiser-racer we mean a fully-fitted interior: massive full height galley, three cabins plus a big saloon, full toilet and shower, hot and cold running everything. The kind of boat you would race for a week in, say Cork Week, and then take it cruising with your mates or family, feeling no compunction to sleep anywhere else but on board.

The interior is by Mark Tucker of Design Unlimited and mixes straightforward, simple styling with neat detailing. DK’s build quality is evident throughout the boat. They build the Farrdesigned Mumm 30, Farr 40, Farr 36 OD, Farr 52, and the new 520 — which is conceptually similar to the DK 46, but quite a bit more expensive.

Hull, rig and deck

The hull shape is very simple and clean, striving for good all-round performance. Mills’ theme has been to keep the wetted surface and wave-making drag to a minimum with a relatively slender hull form, making the most of a deep fin keel with a substantial bulb. He feels this solution maximises speed in the lighter breezes but still works well on all points of sail when the breeze is up. The 2,950kg bulb has been moved very slightly forward on subsequent boats to let the crew weight come a little more aft.

The hull, deck and the interior structure all use a Core-Cell foam-cored sandwich, which is postcured. The attention to detail in the laminate is excellent. All the way through the boat, inside the lockers and in the keel sump, the quality looked impressive. With a pre-preg wet lay-up the weight of the laminate is very carefully controlled, providing a very regular, even composite. The foam core is utilised through all of the interior furniture too, keeping weight down. All of the interior build and assembly is completed in-house, ensuring the standards are universally high.

The tall, powerful carbon rig is from Formula Spars and uses two sets of carbon composite spreaders swept back to 20 degrees, setting a big main and non-overlapping jibs. An alloy boom is standard, but our test boat — Mike Greville’s ‘Erivale’ — had the carbon option. A full range of masthead and fractional kites and Code sails are possible. The rig is set on an integral hydraulic mast jack, and the Kevlar backstay, the outhaul and vang are all hydraulically operated. The helm has a pair of vang release buttons set at the base of either pedestal.

The sleek, blister coachroof leaves plenty of sidedeck space and the cockpit is a good compromise between an out-and-out raceboat and enough comfort and security to cruise or do short-handed deliveries. Single Harken Black Magic ball-bearing jib tracks are standard. The A style mainsheet and 8:1 traveller are led underdeck, as are the tweakers. Standard primaries are Harken B53.2A, the halyard rope clutches are from Spinlock.

We sailed the boat in race conditions during the Hamble Winter Series on a gentle day when the wind did not reach above 6-7 knots. In the generally light breezes we could see no obvious weaknesses, and a broad performance suggests an excellent all-round regatta boat with good offshore potential.

Off the start line in the Winter Series the 46 had no shortage of height and pace and steadily eased away from an IC-45, which had a little more height at times at the expense of speed. By the first windward mark ‘Erivale’ had 75-100m on the leading Swan and IC-45. Upwind we were making 6.7 to 6.9 knots upwind and tacking through about 67-69 degrees in 6 to 9 knots of breeze. Jeremy Robinson was driving, who tends to sail higher with less twist, but the boat has proven as happy sailed fatter and quicker. The boat had an easy groove and made its own pace, requiring little attention to keep her moving through the lulls and puffs.

In terms of racetrack ergonomics there were no obvious failings. The cockpit is big and easily worked. It needs more foot-braces, but it’s often better to sail the boat a few times to find out where these are best situated. There is ample space between the aft-mounted main track and the helm to keep the tactician at his or her shoulder, similarly the mainsheet hand has a secure spot just forward, giving the ‘brains trust’ no excuses for lack of communication, and, with a pair of hydraulic panels at the aft edge of the cockpit seats and the traveller controls to hand, the mainsheet is well served.

Offwind with the light VMG asymmetric the boat kept moving well through the lulls, only requiring a little extra heat from time to time. The overall impression was of a slippery hull, which showed no signs of sticking in the light.

The helm is nicely responsive and exceptionally light. There is the feel of gently putting the boat back in the groove rather than a very positive response from each helm movement. This is partly due to the combination of the high aspect rudder foil and the direct drive from the steering quadrant. The advantage for the less experienced driver is that there is less tendency to scrub speed off by over using the helm.

The twin carbon wheels are situated well outboard, giving great all-round vision. One very minor complaint was that the aft edge of the cockpit seat extends quite far back so for those who steer with a leg either side of the wheel this is not as comfortable, but that’s a personal preference.

As far as cruising potential goes, the owner has already had the boat out across the Channel to Cherbourg and back with winds up to 25 knots and is happy with the boat. He will have an electric windlass, generator, heating plus other cruising-friendly kit to go on the boat.

To starboard the navigation station and the galley take up the full length of the main saloon. The galley has a big icebox, and fully gimballed oven with twin-burner stove. There is plenty of stowage — every nook and cranny is used to hold something useful or conceal something useless. For racing that may be the enemy, but for the owner who cruises and doesn’t want to live out of bags it is ideal. The nav station has plenty of facing space to mount instruments, good fiddles on the chart table and a nice scalloped dish set into the moulding that stops pencils and instruments skating around.

The saloon seating is a good size, leaving a wide passageway for sail handling, but big enough for mealtimes, as well as making a double bunk. In port the DK 46 will sleep 10, with two double aft cabins, or a double to port and a big single to starboard, and optional pipe cots. There is good access to the engine and the steering quadrants.

DK46 Review: Verdict

Here is a 46-footer which can lay claim to being something close to perfection as the dual-purpose cruiser-racer. Surely this is the type of boat that IRC seeks to encourage and to that extent, it should be assured of a long-term future under the rule. Mills and DK have not visibly sought to beat the rule, and the rule, designer and the builders can take credit for creating a true cruiser-racer which will stand the test of time, and should win silverware aplenty.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

RS21: Rupert Homes tests RS’ latest keelboat

Elan E6 on test: fast short-handed cruiser/racer

Video: Nacra 15 FCS boat test with Chris Rashley and Chloe Collenette

Yachts & Yachting is the leading performance sailing magazine, covering every aspect of the racing scene, from dinghies to keelboats. Our insightful features and stunning photography bring you the inside track on the world’s most exciting regattas together with advice and inspiration from the very best sailors, coaches and industry experts.

• News & Events
• Sailing Techniques
• Event Spotlight

ADVERTISING

© 2024 Chelsea Magazine Company, part of the Telegraph Media Group | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

DK 46 is a 46 ′ 3 ″ / 14.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Mark Mills and built by dk Yachts starting in 2002.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

This website uses cookies . This allows us to offer you the necessary functionalities and also improve your user experience. If you visit our website, you agree to the cookie statement

DK 46 Mills design / IRC cruiser-racer - Winner Copa del Rey 2018 & 2019

€298,000

VAT included

• Reference ID 206
• Location Spain
• Engine type Single
• L.O.A. (mtr) 14.10
• Beam (mtr) 4.10
• Draft (mtr) 3
• Displacement (Kg) 9100
• Material Fiberglass / Composite
• Engine Yanmar

Send to friend

Yacht description.

Mills Design and DK Yachts teamed up in 2002 to produce a production IRC design whichdelivered new levels of performance and comfort. Marketed by Boat Sales International, the DK46 brought together three design criteria to achieve the highest performance IRC cruiser/racer: a hull and foils optimised for racing; a specification which will provide a competitive IRC rating; and a spacious and comfortable interior. The result was a genuinely dual-purpose yacht.

46′ IRC Cruiser/Racer has brought performance and comfort together by winning on 6 continents.

This DK46 Maserati is in very good conditions and ready to race and win!

She won 2009 & 2016, 2018 & 2019  COPA DEL REY in Mallorca and is ready for a new season of success.

Owner: Boat is really good both inshore and offshore.

• All new electronics B&G H5000 performance including autopilot installed 2018
• New North sails 2019: LM 3DI, MH 3DI, Mainsail 3Di, jib TOP, S2
• New service Batteries gel

http://mills-design.com/2016/08/maserati-wins-at-copa-del-rey/

A real Racer-cruiser, or Cruiser-racer, that will fullfit all your sailing needs with style, speed and performance

TEST in yachts & yachting

• spinnaker pole carbon
• Carbon Mast Formula spars with 2 double carbon spreaders (revised with ultrasonic 2016)
• Carbon boom (revised with ultrasonic 2016)
• Rod rigging
• Backstay in kevlar-
• Integral mast jack totally serviced 2008
• Hydraulic vang and outhaul.
• Harken MKIII genoa furler.
• Full running rigging brand new 2016 Gottifredi Maffioli

2019 North sails:

• Mainsail 3Di

Boat has new set of sails 2017:

• Main Elvstrom
• 2 new jibs (J1,J3)
• 1 New Spinaker S1,5

2016 set North Sails:

• 1 mainsail 3Di
• 1 spinnaker S1,5
• 1Spinnaker S2

QUANTUM sails 2009 still in good condition

• Main KC Quantum 2009
• Code 2 full carbon
• spi AP 0'5 9/10
• Spi AP runner0'5 9/10
• Spi AP 0'5 top mast.

Other sails

Accommodations

• 2 Cabins with double bed, one cabin with 2 pipecots
• head with shower, sink and toilet
• saloon with roundsit and table
• Chartable starboard side
• Refrigerator new 2019
• Oven and stove
• 300L watertank
• 3 burner stove

Deck and Cockpit

• Teak in cockpit and on seats
• 2 carbon steering wheels
• 2 large hatches in cockpit for storage
• harken winches
• Electric main winch
• Generator Fisher Panda
• Shorepower with cable
• Airconditioning
• New Service Batteries 2X90A GEL
• cd/radio player
• Gori prop 2 blade folding
• Engine serviced 2017

Electronics and Navigational Gear

B&G H5000 performance, new

• 5 jumbos on mast
• Wifi Splitter
• 4G Router Wifi (limited Roaming after agreement)
• Autopilot Raymarine with remote control                   
• 5 20X20 displays at the mast
• 2 multi in cockpit and one at the charttable
• Radio VHF Icom              
• Radio HF ICOM                   
• Radio portable and portable Simrad HT50
• New chart plotter B&G

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Contact Details

• Name Site Broker | Racing-Yachts.com
• Email [email protected]
• Phone +31 (0)320 746046
• Instagram -

Featured Yachts For Sale

• Beam (mtr): 4.20
• L.O.A. (mtr): 13.09 Meters

• Displacement (Kg): 12500
• Beam (mtr): 5.60
• L.O.A. (mtr): 20.37 Meters

• Displacement (Kg): 14500
• Beam (mtr): 5.70
• L.O.A. (mtr): 21.50 Meters
• Horsepower: 75 hp

The Dk 46 is a 46.26ft fractional sloop designed by Mills Design and built in fiberglass by dk Yachts since 2002.

12 units have been built..

The Dk 46 is a light sailboat which is a very high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a cruiser racer. The fuel capacity is good. There is a short water supply range.

Dk 46 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data

Other photos

Modal Title

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

Paste a link here:

Give it a title:

And eventually a link to an image for the thumbnail:

• Brokerage – Race Yachts
• Brokerage – Racer Cruisers
• Pro Sailing
• Project Management

Price AU $249,000 Make an offer

Contact us for more information

DK 46 RACER/CRUISER

Sales information

• De Valk Kiel Germany
• +49 1712312133
• Call the broker

e-mail the broker

Tell a friend.

• download brochure

Take time onboard with a live video tour

Seen a boat that piques your interest but can't make a visit in person? One of our brokers will be your eyes and ears as they take you on a video tour with their phone. You can also ask them questions about anything that isn't visually obvious. Make the call and be welcomed aboard...

Download brochure

Broker's comments.

This fast and successful yacht, designed by Mills Design and built by DK yachts is known for her performance. This hull #9, was professional cruised, raced and taken care for by 15 'Mädels', They have done the circuit around and now it is time to hand over the wheel. Due to her design and layout she is suitable for both cruising and racing; hull is optimized for racing and the interior is spacious and comfortable, with minor investments she can be rebuild/upgraded as a fast family cruiser. She comes with a container full of sails and gear. Very well maintained and ready for her next adventure.

General - DK 46 RACER/CRUISER

Accommodation

• My Searches  
• Watch List (0)
• Sign In  

Used Yachts For Sale

Sail monohulls 40ft > 50ft,          dk boats for sale, dk 46 boats for sale, dk 46  .

ABOUT THE SELLER

CONTACT THE SELLER