The dk46 draws three design criteria together 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 is a genuinely dual-purpose yacht.

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 the minimisation of resistance both through reduced wetted surface area and wave-making drag, separating the stability requirements to be met by the large ballast package and deep fin. This combination widens the performance envelope of the design with strength in both the drag-dominated low speed regime and the stability-oriented higher wind ranges. The trademark fine forward entry, which offers improved performance in a chop, is combined with flared midships sections to make the most of crew weight, tapering into rounded stern sections for good all-around performance.

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 thus 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, which features 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 help 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 have 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. This spacious and light central 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 will make this yacht stand out from all 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 and DK Yachts have developed. By generating full 3D models of the finished design which go straight to DK's 5 axis milling machine, absolute accuracy and design integrity is maintained.

The dk46. A refined synthesis of speed and comfort. True cruiser/racer performance without compromise.