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Db 1
Designer: E. G. Van De Stadt/Cees Van Tongeren  ·  Builder: Dehler (Ger)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Db 1

Designed by the renowned E.G. van de Stadt in collaboration with Cees van Tongeren and built by German manufacturer Dehler starting in 1980, this 33-footer represents classic European sailing design philosophy of the early 1980s. The Db 1's moderate displacement of 7,275 pounds combined with a substantial ballast ratio creates a well-balanced platform that's equally comfortable on coastal waters or making longer passages. Her fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling characteristics, while the fractional sloop rig provides versatility for both cruising sailors and those with racing ambitions. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 22.06, she offers spirited performance without being overly tender, making her accessible to crews of varying experience levels. The boat's comfort ratio of 15.81 indicates a design that prioritizes sailing performance while maintaining reasonable motion at sea. Her hull speed of 6.91 knots reflects typical capabilities for this size range, and the moderate beam of just over 11 feet strikes an effective balance between interior volume and sailing characteristics. Built with fiberglass construction and powered by a 22-horsepower auxiliary engine, the Db 1 represents solid German engineering principles applied to recreational sailing, making her suitable for serious coastal cruising and club racing activities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.14 ft / 10.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.58 ft / 8.10 m
Beam 11.18 ft / 3.41 m
Max Draft 6.18 ft / 1.88 m
Displacement 7,275.00 lb / 3,300 kg
Ballast 3,525.00 lb / 1,599 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 516.00 ft² / 47.94 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer E. G. van de Stadt/Cees van Tongeren
Builder Dehler (GER)
First Built 1980
Associations IOR 3/4 ton
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 22.06
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 48.45
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 172.95
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 15.81
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.31
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.91 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 3.67
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,061.80 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 22.08
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 36.75 ft / 11.20 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.65 ft / 3.55 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 41.00 ft / 12.50 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.75 ft / 4.50 m
SA Fore 214.07 ft² / 19.89 m²
SA Main 302.38 ft² / 28.09 m²
SA Total (100%) 516.45 ft² / 47.98 m²
Est. Forestay Length 38.55 ft / 11.75 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Faryman
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 22
Fuel Capacity 11 gals / 42 L
Water Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
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