Dibley Marine Feed

Dibley Weekender 28

info@dibleymarine.com — 2026-02-20T11:55:07+00:00

Article by Tad Roberts

Weekender 28
Blending original and traditional

Most designers struggle to master market demand, technology, and cultural trends. Very few are out in front, leading the way to something new. The sweet spot is somewhere in between, adapting to new technology and requirements while sympathetically updating traditional styles.

Kevin Dibley's new Weekender 28 lands in this sweet middle ground; it is identifiably traditional but imitates nothing.

Dibley has given us a good design that is also very attractive; it's well suited to day or overnight use. One couldn't ask for better than to row home looking back at the pretty Dibley Weekender 28.

It's a very attractive boat.

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Dibley Picnic Boats: Kiwi design with a classic twist

info@dibleymarine.com — 2025-10-08T09:21:06+01:00

Article by Kirsten Thomas

From Hinckley to Dibley

'Recently we looked at the Hinckley Picnic Boat, a design that shook up the day-boat scene in 1994 with lobster-boat lines, jet-drive manoeuvrability, and yacht-level refinement. While rare in New Zealand, the concept resonated with Kiwi designer, Auckland’s Kevin Dibley, who has reimagined the Picnic Boat idea with a distinctly local twist.

Dibley's Picnic Boats — the P25, the 28 Weekender now in build, the 35 Weekender, and a 52-footer designed for coastal cruising — draw inspiration from East Coast USA lobster boats but adapt the style for New Zealand waters and lifestyles'.

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Kraken 58 nominated for 2026 European Yacht of the Year

info@dibleymarine.com — 2025-09-12T14:15:42+01:00

New Zealand yacht designer Kevin Dibley has reason to celebrate, with his Kraken 58 design named a nominee for the 2026 European Yacht of the Year Awards. The yacht, already launched and bound for Malta, now faces rigorous sea trials in the hands of twelve leading European magazine judges.

Read the Boating NZ article by Kirsten Thomas for Boating New Zealand

The European Yacht of the Year Award is widely regarded as the most prestigious recognition in the sailing world. Since its inception in 2004, it has set the benchmark for new yacht design. Unlike many awards, this one demands every nominee is thoroughly tested under near identical conditions, making victory all the more meaningful.

For 2026, the Kraken 58 has been named among the select few to undergo these trials. The first hull, freshly launched and bound for Malta, will soon face the scrutiny of twelve judges representing Europe’s leading sailing magazines. Winners will be announced during Boot Düsseldorf in January, the largest yacht exhibition in Europe.

For Kiwi designer Kevin Dibley, whose Auckland-based studio has earned global respect, the recognition reinforces New Zealand’s reputation as a hub for innovative yacht design.

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Elite Rowing - Dibley designs for SL Racing and Olympian Emma Twigg

info@dibleymarine.com — 2025-03-31T10:09:01+01:00

'It’s not every day you get the opportunity to design a boat to compete against rowing’s top athletes racing in the world’s most esteemed boats at the Olympics'.

SL Racing brought in naval architect Kevin Dibley to take a look at the existing model. They wanted to know how the curves of certain areas looked and how much water the boat displaced at different weights.

'They found that they could make improvements and kept refining the design until they were happy with the results'.

Kevin had a limited time to design and develop the boat, and they wanted it to be lighter, faster, and good enough for the Olympics. So, they focused on specific areas to improve. They wanted the boat to be stable for new rowers to learn on, but also slippery for experienced rowers like Emma Twigg to use.

'The team at SL Racing did a stellar job on the build and systems, and the result is a very competitive fleet that will turn heads and achieve success in the Regattas on the world stage'.

Kevin Dibley, Design Director, DYD Ltd.

Read More …

Dibley LM46 Yacht Review, Future Magazine

info@dibleymarine.com — 2025-02-03T10:37:03+00:00

The LM46, a high-performance bespoke sailing yacht, provides owners with a low-maintenance, cold-molded hull that pairs the unmatched comfortable motion and ambiance of a wooden boat with the 10-knot-plus speeds typically found on a modern performance yacht.

Partnering with longtime friend and acclaimed Kiwi yacht designer Kevin Dibley, Lyman-Morse builds the LM46 for the pure joy of sailing this is a platform that allows you to connect with friends and family and enjoy a great day on the water.

The goal with the LM46 was simple enjoyment - she's designed to have you sailing within five minutes of stepping aboard, and ready to head ashore within five minutes of picking up your mooring.

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Dibley January 2025 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2025-01-27T11:15:41+00:00

A Celebration of 2024

It was a wonderfully busy year and one that is carrying nicely into 2025.

We haven’t put out a Newsletter since 2021 as we have been concentrating on our Social Media pages but we have a had quite a few clients, friends and followers wanting one to go out, so here it is.

Here are some of our highlight moments from a great year:

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FEATURES :
A Celebration of 2024
From the Design Office
News and Updates

The Dibley 40 'Fulcrum' Story

info@dibleymarine.com — 2024-06-05T10:45:13+01:00

Our Dibley 40 ‘Fulcrum’ story is in the latest Boating New Zealand Magazine (June 2024).

She was designed for a Yachting New Zealand Competition in the early 2000’s.

Carl Smith bought the rights to build and 30-years after we first put pencil to Vellum, she is now sailing.

Her very happy new owners are Derek and Janine Grul!!

Still a little work to be done including some rig adjustments and a new square top main, but that is the nature of home builds where priorities are made on time, cost and quality.

Derek and Janine did a masterful job on all three.

"Watch out for more performance as we make the small tweaks".

Read the Boating NZ review of Dibley 40 'Fulcrum'

Read the Dibley 40 'Fulcrum' Story here … Enjoy!

Dibley Canting Keeler Racer / Cruiser 40', Seahorse December 2023

info@dibleymarine.com — 2023-11-13T20:53:31+00:00

'A day late (but not a dollar short)'

Dibley 40 Racer / Cruiser Canting Keeler.

In the early 1990's Yachting New Zealand put out a design competition for a yacht under 40' that could be raffled off as a one design to build a new fleet to replace the ailing 40' racers of the time.

Kraken announces Dibley Designed K44

info@dibleymarine.com — 2023-10-04T08:57:51+01:00

'Project 44' is under development right now.

Kraken 44 Bluewater Cruising Yacht

Sneak Peek - The 2023 Dibley Class 40

info@dibleymarine.com — 2023-09-03T14:07:35+01:00

Get a sneak peek of our latest stunning project …

… the 2023 Class 40.

Class 40 - Designed primarily for short-handed offshore and coastal racing.

The Class 40 is a rapidly growing class that is designed through a box rule stipulating maximum and minimum design parameters and managed by the Class 40 Association, based in France.

Lyman-Morse LM46 makes Cover of Cruising World, Jan/Feb '23

info@dibleymarine.com — 2022-12-22T20:02:35+00:00

Lyman-Morse LM46 makes cover of Cruising World, Jan/Feb '23.

In ideal conditions on Chesapeake Bay, a taut fleet of 17 contestants vied for top honors in the 2023 edition of Cruising World’s annual Boat of the Year competition. When the spray had settled, at the top of the leader board was a pair of yachts destined for blue water and beyond: the Lyman-Morse LM46, the Domestic Boat of the Year, and the Hallberg-Rassy 400, the Import Boat of the Year.

Lyman-Morse LM46 takes Cruising World’s 2023 Boat of the Year Awards

info@dibleymarine.com — 2022-12-08T22:05:22+00:00

Lyman-Morse LM46 and Hallberg-Rassy 400 Take Top Honors in Cruising World’s 2023 Boat of the Year Awards

In style, performance and construction, the two new models were named Domestic and Import standouts among an international field of 17 entries.

Lyman-Morse LM46 Semicustom Performance Cruiser

info@dibleymarine.com — 2022-12-03T11:35:59+00:00

Lyman-Morse LM46 Semicustom Performance Cruiser.

The Lyman-Morse LM46 performance cruiser Hopgrasser is a stirring rendition of the Maine builder's new semicustom line.

Dibley August 2021 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2021-08-26T11:19:08+01:00

Designed in conjunction with fellow Kiwi and boatbuilder Mike Forsyth, the FD33 fills the gap currently in Australasia for a locally built shorthanded or fully crewed racing yacht that can take on and beat the imports coming in from Europe and beyond. Mike’s company ‘Coastal Boat Works Ltd’, is currently in the process of building hull number one.

The FD33 will be offered as either hull and decks for those home build enthusiasts or completely finished, ready to race. Further information and updates will be coming out over the next few months, so watch this space …

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FEATURES :
FD33 Coastal Sportsboat
Latest Launching - Sofia Marie
From the Design Office
News and Updates

Lyman-Morse 46 Performance Cruiser

info@dibleymarine.com — 2021-01-21T20:57:13+00:00

The modern cold-molded cruiser has speed and style for fast passages.

Here’s a handsome new design by my friend Kevin Dibley. Kevin is a very good designer and a nice guy. The builder is Lyman-Morse and the company’s pedigree goes back many years. I have been to that yard and worked with them and I promise you they are very talented. Again the definition of a cruising boat comes up when you study this design. The LM46 leans more towards the performance side of the scales than does the Jeanneau. Some might be inclined to call this design a racer/cruiser. They are just labels.

Dibley January 2021 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2020-12-24T12:49:19+00:00

A Celebration of 2020

These past 12-months, without a doubt, were one of our more crazy years but it also helped people think about what is important in their life and boats were certainly up there on that list. Another year of notably diverse and innovative projects that were interesting and fun.

Below are just a few that passed over our design table:

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FEATURES :
A Celebration of 2020
From the Design Office
News and Updates

Kraken K50 - Vote for British Yachting Awards, 2020

info@dibleymarine.com — 2020-11-12T19:43:35+00:00

Private View of the New LM46 Performance Cruiser

info@dibleymarine.com — 2020-07-29T21:42:16+01:00

Lyman-Morse Invite You to a Private Preview of the New LM46

Tour the mock-up Have a cocktail.

Dare we say, we're inviting you to a "Mock-tail" Party!

Even though we can't throw a big party right now, we can invite you to a private viewing of the new LM46 Performance Cruiser.

Hull No. 1 is underway at Lyman-Morse in Thomaston, Maine, with launch planned for late 2020. The project will produce a high-performance, cold-molded yacht with the comfort and ambiance of a wooden boat but delivering 10 knots of speed under both sail and power. The yacht has been designed and engineered for superior handling and low maintenance, equipped with only the essential systems for enjoying an uncomplicated, rewarding experience on the water.

Kraken News February 2020

info@dibleymarine.com — 2020-02-04T04:20:55+00:00

See Kraken News February 2020 PDF

Award-winning naval architect Kevin Dibley, the man who made the Kraken wake, tells Dick Durham how

Unlike many of our clients Dick Beaumont is a sailor with a very clear idea and practical analysis on what is right and what is wrong in a blue water cruising boat. It is our job initially to pay attention and we use the old saying of: ‘We have two ears and one mouth’ so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. The initial briefing resulted in a multiple page document of wants, needs and expectations.

Dibley January 2020 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2020-01-17T09:40:15+00:00

A Celebration of 2019

It was a busy 2019 and as we roll into a busy 2020 it is good to go back and review the projects we had and the successes achieved. We often tell our clients that we will look at all projects tabled and when we say we are ‘innovative and diverse’, this is what we mean ...

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FEATURES :
A Celebration of 2019
From the Design Office
News and Updates

Dibley June 2019 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2019-06-11T10:14:47+01:00

Over the last 6-months we have been working closely with Cabot Lyman and the Lyman-Morse yard on a 46-foot semi production performance cruising yacht that would appeal to the modern sailor but have that soul aspect that only a wooden yacht can achieve. Lyman-Morse have been boatbuilding on the East Coast of the USA for over 40 years and are one of the most well established and trusted yards so a perfect fit for this project.

We were introduced to Cabot by expat Kiwi legend, Chris Bouzaid who mentioned that Cabot was looking for a modern classic that would appeal to the younger crowd for both their families and Club Racing, as well as older sailors who crave simplicity, functionality and a bonding to their boats.

This is only an introduction to this project as we are putting together a more detailed Newsletter dedicated solely to this yacht over the next couple of weeks.

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FEATURES :
46' Performance Cruiser
Standard Insurance Centennial V - win
Kraken 50 - First Sea Trials
Design Office - News and Updates

Lyman-Morse 46' Performance Cruising Yacht

info@dibleymarine.com — 2019-05-30T08:25:28+01:00

Lyman-Morse 46' Performance Cruising Yacht
Boat Names: N/A

In 2018 we got together with Cabot Lyman from the East Coast USA yard Lyman-Morse to look at putting together a new semi-production yacht that that would appeal to the modern sailor whilst still having that ‘soul’ aspect that only a wooden yacht can achieve. Both Lyman and Dibley have believed for a while now that the modern production yachts coming out of the various European and American yards have lost that individual magic that perhaps only a semi-production timber yacht could achieve. A modern classic, that would appeal to the younger crowd for family cruising and club racing as well as for older sailors who crave the simplicity, functionality and bonding that they used to get from their yachts back in the days of less plastic when timber gave the yacht heart and soul. Lyman and Dibley were introduced to each other by expat Kiwi Chris Bouzaid years ago when Cabot stopped into New Zealand on his world circumnavigation voyage.

Dibley April 2018 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2018-04-23T08:10:50+01:00

The latest design to come off our drawing board is a 30-footer canting keeled offshore racing yacht specifically designed for solo or shorthanded sailing. This category of racing is gaining a huge following worldwide. There is a group of NZ locals who want to grow the numbers and enter races such as the Solo Tasman, the Round North Island and the Round New Zealand races—the latter two run under SSANZ (Shorthanded Sailing Association of New Zealand). There are a couple of separate groups going down different design paths but we have pulled in a team that has the experience in both sailing solo as well as designing for offshore performance.

Twin Rudders, Canting Keel, and Twin Daggerboards create the appendage package that counter act the powerful and well-balanced square-top sail plan. A fixed prod to handle the Code Zero’s (but also incorporates a protruding prod for gennakers) still allows the yacht to fit into a 10-metre berth which was a key requirement in the design brief.

All sailing and appendage controls are done from the confines of the cockpit. A central pod off the main bulkhead allows all halyards and a few control lines to be handled either side of the port and starboard companionways. This area has great cockpit cover in the form of a hard dodger, being an extension of the main cabin top. Some of these races are over multiple days, non-stop, where fatigue becomes a major factor to manage. This design will be fast and as we’ve seen from the recent Volvo and Vendee Globe round the world races, most importantly there is cockpit cover from wind and waves, ensuring comfort and protection from the elements.

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FEATURES :
Solo Kiwi 30
Rolex China Sea Race 2018
MGD Mad Jack
News and Updates

Dibley September 2017 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2017-09-16T08:52:24+01:00

We are very happy to announce that our Kraken 66 design was selected as the winner of the '2017 Bluewater Cruiser of the Year' which was just announced at the Southampton Boat Show in the UK.

British magazine Sailing Today nominated yachts from the Hallberg-Rassy, Amel, Beneteau and Najad ranges - as well as the Kraken 66. We are delighted and grateful to Sailing Today for presenting the award to the Kraken 66.

Kraken Yachts Sales Director, Mark Williams, attended the awards ceremony on September 15th and accepted on behalf of the company. With the fleet including the Kraken 50 and 58, this is exciting news.

This is a very satisfying result by a team that includes not only DYD Ltd, but Kraken Yachts themselves who had the vision and supplied a comprehensive brief, to allow us to create the great results. You can view the design on the Kraken Yachts Website as well as on the Dibley Marine site.

In the meantime our Kraken 50 blue water cruising yacht continues. The design team includes our structural engineer Peter Lawson from New Zealand, our 3D modeller Simon Paul from his Australian base, and the Kraken Yachts team of Roger Goldsmith and Filip Sochaj from their Hong Kong Offices.

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FEATURES :
Kraken 66
Bluewater Cruiser of the Year WINNER
Sailing News

Dibley August 2017 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2017-08-01T13:49:28+01:00

Kevin Dibley, '2017 Yacht Designer of the Year'

Kevin Dibley was named ‘2017 Yacht Designer of the Year’ at the recent Asian Marine and Boating Awards in Shanghai.

Dibley is the first New Zealander to receive this award. Previous winners include the late Ed Dubois, UK based Bill Dixon, Irish based Mark Mills, Italian Superyacht designer Hotacio Bozzo and Dutch Superyacht designer Cor D’Rover.

DYD Ltd has been very busy of late in Australasia and although relatively small, the Asian arena is one of the growth hot-spots in the global leisure marine market.

The Dibley designed Kraken 66 has been nominated for the ‘Bluewater Cruiser of the Year’ in the Sailing Today awards in the United Kingdom.

The results will be announced at the Southampton Boat show late this September. Public voting can be done till August 21st at www.sailingtoday.co.uk/awards2017.

We will let you know final results in the next Newsletter.

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FEATURES :
Kraken 66
Designer of the Year
Bluewater Cruiser of the Year

Kraken 66 nominated for 2017 Bluewater Cruiser of the Year

info@dibleymarine.com — 2017-07-18T09:25:20+01:00

The Dibley designed Kraken 66 has been nominated for the ‘Bluewater Cruiser of the Year’ category in the Sailing Today awards. The results will be announced at the Southampton boat show this September.

To vote for the Kraken 66, please go to the Sailing Today awards page.

Scroll down to ‘Bluewater Cruiser’ and click on the Kraken 66 VOTE button. This takes you to the voting page where you will have to scroll down again to find the Bluewater Cruiser category and tick the Kraken 66. (You will have to give your name and email address).

Dibley named 2017 Yacht Designer of the Year

info@dibleymarine.com — 2017-05-10T13:38:18+01:00

“After a successful 2016 that rolled into a very busy 2017, New Zealand based yacht designer, Kevin Dibley was named 2017 Yacht Designer of the Year at the recent Asian Marine and Boating Awards in Shanghai.

Dibley had Hong Kong based Kraken Yachts Managing Director, Roger Goldsmith represent him and accept the award on his behalf at the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show, CIBS Gala dinner and the Asian Marine & Boating Awards which was held on April 27th, 2017.

Alistair Skinner, Judges Coordinator for the Asian Marine & Boating Awards comments:

"I for one have followed Kevin's (Dibley) work for some time, especially the boats he has drawn for Asian builders and have always noted the fairness of the lines. Perhaps not yet as recognised quite as much as some of the previous winners of the award but I am sure that is only a matter of time especially as, although small, the Asian arena is one of the growth hot-spots in the global leisure marine market"

Kevin Dibley, from his Queenstown, New Zealand design studio commented

“I am truly honoured to be chosen for this award. Though it was awarded in my name, all the people contributing to the Dibley Design Team share this win as the synergism that each team member gives is crucial to any projects we get involved in. Our Asian clients have become a very important part of our design success of late and we thank those who have put faith in our work over there. Whether it is racing yachts, cruising yachts or powerboats, our diverse portfolio and clientele have kept the team busy and on their toes, and we look forward too many more years of success in the Asian market.”

Dibley December 2016 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2016-11-25T09:21:49+00:00

Earlier in the year we designed a 21-foot Sports yacht for the Chinese boatbuilding company Hangtong Yacht Manufacturing Co Ltd which is currently getting ready for production. Once that design was completed from our end, Hangtong approached us on another design request; a 30-foot performance cruising yacht that was fast, simple and easily crewed shorthanded. They had firm ideas on a few features such as the wheel steering but left us to come up with the best package for both sailing systems and interior comfort.

The result is the Dibley 30 Cruiser featured here. An easily driven hull and a simple manageable sail plan are the key components to this design. The deck layout has all controls coming back to the cockpit and both tiller and wheel steering options are available. The prod pulls back into the yacht when not in use. Down below are two double berths and the saloon table which can drop to form further berths. A small navigation table, enclosed Head, and port Galley complete the layout.

This open layout design allows for plenty of light coming in by way of the cabin windows and deck hatches.

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FEATURES :

Dibley 30 Performance Cruising Yacht
Dibley 30 Corporate Cruising Yacht
Race Results
From the Design Office

Dibley May 2016 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2016-05-10T21:55:58+01:00

As mentioned in our last newsletter, a new company, Kraken Yachts Ltd. led by Dick Beaumont and Roger Goldsmith of Hong Kong, had commissioned us to design their bluewater cruising fleet which comprised the K50, K58 and the K66. Both Dick and Roger have thousands of sea miles behind them and they knew what they wanted. This made the designing quite easy and enjoyable as the process and detailing was shared between both parties.

The largest in the fleet is the Kraken 66 which was designed as a true performance bluewater cruising yacht. She had to have enough volume and displacement to cater for comfortable long term cruising and storage. She also had to be stiff with a high angle of vanishing stability (AVS) and have a good turn of speed which is a requirement for today’s yachtsperson.

During the preliminary discussions we all sat down and worked out the most important factors that make up a true bluewater cruising yacht. These were simplified down to safety, comfort and performance and it was a requirement in the brief that no compromises be made on any of these three points.

The yacht had to be handled by one from the cockpit, but also be ergonomically efficient with a crew, so the deck plan was well thought out in a sailing and anchoring/berthing point of view. Details on life-raft storage, ventilation, anchoring and aft boarding platforms have all been catered to. Customised helm pedestals allow full use of instrumentation all within reach of the helm.

The Sail Plan is easily controlled from the cockpit. The furling boom allows effortless reefing and the cutter rig allows plenty of sail set options. Swept Spreaders and a clean deck follows the mantra of ‘keeping is simple’ with all halyards and control lines leading aft under the deck and out of sight.

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FEATURES :
Kraken 66
AC 34 Day Yacht
Racing Results and News
From the Design Office

Dibley October 2015 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2015-10-16T12:26:52+01:00

When it comes to sea miles, Kraken Marine’s two Directors have logged more than most. So when they approached us for a new design range, they knew exactly what they wanted and we knew how to achieve it. Designed for true offshore cruising, Kraken Marine’s new range of yachts will include a 48, 58 and a 66 -footer. Designed for luxurious cruising whilst maintaining seaworthiness and performance, this new range ticks all the requirements for this generation of sailor.

A modern hull and efficient modern appendages allow these designs to take on long ocean passages, or coastal weekend cruising, with ease and comfort. Knowing how each owner has their own experiences and needs, alternative layouts are available to suit their cruising ways. But if you are not quite sure, Kraken have a lifetime of experience to help you work through what is the best fit.

Below is the first of the designs, the Kraken 58, but over the next few newsletters, we will introduce you to the Team involved, including the two Directors, and detail some of the features that will make this exciting new range stand apart from the rest.

The new Kraken Marine website is in the process of going live, and as soon as it is, we will let you know. In it you will hear about the philosophy of the brand, the range available, as well as some interesting cruising stories and links. Until then...

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FEATURES :
Kraken Marine
Dibley Voyager 72
'Springloaded'
From the Design Office

Dibley December 2014 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2014-12-23T19:58:43+00:00

Johnson Yachts, based out of Pine Harbour Marina in Auckland, New Zealand, are in the process of building an 80-foot launch for a NZ/Canadian couple living in Australia.
Designed in collaboration with NZ yacht designer Kevin Dibley, this new project will be marketed as the Johnson 80 Motoryacht, Designed as a light displacement-to-length motor launch (LDL), she is designed and built to Australian NSCV LR SSC-2B survey requirements.

The design brief to Dibley was for a vessel that has a sleek and low profile, and a very stable and highly efficient hull form A go anywhere, anytime launch that the couple could use with family and friends both here and abroad. The interior had to allow for good entertainment with a large groups, but also comfortable and private for smaller groups and charter.

LDL, or Light displacement-to-length ratio powerboats are becoming more popular over the past few years due to their efficiency and low power consumption, so Dibley and Johnson studied the concept further and decided this was the best solution to achieve the brief. To do this properly, a low VCG (vertical centre of gravity) had to be implemented to maintain the safety at sea aspect of the design. To help with that stability, the hull will be built in steel and the superstructure in composites. Further to that, all tankage is kept low in the bilges and keel of the hull. Another aspect of the design that was important for the success of this project was for all the major weights, like the engine room and tankage, to be located close to the LCB (longitudinal centre of buoyancy) to reduce pitching in a seaway as well as maintaining constant trim between Full and Lightship loads.

To further add comfort and to prevent roll, a Seakeeper Gyroscope will be placed in the bilges of the hull. It is a computer controlled gyroscope that eliminates most boat roll, including the fatigue, anxiety and seasickness that goes with it. Supplied by Twin Disc, the Seakeeper is a game changer in the overall comfort and enjoyment of boating offshore or coastal The Johnson 80 is powered by twin 740 hp MTU Series 60 engines that produce a very efficient and comfortable 11 knots cruising speeds, but allowing 23 knots when tanks are fully loaded. As the owners will be heading offshore often, this cruising speed is more than required, and yet gladly taken.

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FEATURES :
Johnson 80 Motoryacht China Built Bass Boats
Dibley 66 'Lasca'
From the Design Office

Dibley November 2014 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2014-10-29T19:16:03+00:00

This exciting new project is designed for life aboard, long distant cruising in complete comfort and style. Whether the colder southern Chilian coast, or the warmth of the Pacific Islands, the Voyager 72 is perfect for those looking to explore hard to get to destinations, in comfort, speed and style.

The Voyager 72 was commissioned by a New Zealander who wanted an exciting performance cruising yacht that he could use to explore hard to reach places on the global cruising circuit. But he wanted it done in complete comfort, in a hull that looked stylish and modern. Why wouldn’t you, we ask.

Featuring a powerful but easily reduced sail plan balanced with a high righting moment ensures exciting, fully controlled sailing in all conditions. A lifting keel and twin rudders allows access to shoal draft areas that are hard to reach by deeper drafted yachts. All sailing systems lead back to the twin wheels for easy shorthanded sailing.

A semi hard top bimini covers the forward area of the cockpit for getting out of the elements, and a large area aft of the wheels allow Tender storage as well as sunbathing and lounging when in warmer climates. The transom hinges down to further extend the cockpit when at anchor as well as allowing easy launching and retrieving of the Tender.

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FEATURES :
2014 'Voyager 72'
Robinson 5000 - Beach Trimaran
From the Design Office

Dibley May 2014 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2014-05-20T22:08:55+01:00

Late last year we were approached by Hong Kong based Tayana Yacht Sales Limited to redesign the rig and sail plan for their Tayana 66 currently in build. The result was a complete success and lead to two new designs in the already impressive Tayana fleet. Tayana Yachts have been building world class cruising yachts from their Taiwanese yard since the early 1970’s and have since created an impressive following among the offshore cruising fraternity.

Designers such as Robert Harris, Robb Ladd, Bill Dixon, Pieter Beeldsnijder and an early influence of mine, Robert (Bob) Perry, have designs in the Tayana fleet and so we feel flattered to be in amongst this group.

The smallest in the new range is the aft cockpit, raised saloon, Tayana 51. A blue-water cruising yacht with a classic line that is both elegant and practical. Designed for shorthanded cruising, she will tick off the miles at speed and in comfort. All controls lead aft to the cockpit, and the accommodation is comfortable and welcoming.

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FEATURES :
2014 Tayana Yachts
Dibley Modified 'Jelik 1'
From the Design Office

Dibley November 2013 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2013-11-01T20:26:00+00:00

The Dibley 45 is designed as an entry level racing yacht that can be built and sailed competitively at an affordable price. Every area of this design has been simplified to make competitive sailing enjoyable and rewarding. All systems are on top of deck, and equipment kept to a minimum. This is the perfect set up for those looking to compete in local races with good friends and crew mates.

With that said, Dibley Marine can modify the deck plan to suit those looking for top end racing in international regattas or offshore races where more controls and systems are in place for faster tuning and manoeuvres.

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FEATURES :
45' Performance Yacht
2013 Launch - DM3-IOM
From the Design Office

Dibley August 2013 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2013-08-20T21:31:14+01:00

As professional designers we are often brought in to assist with projects from other designers and builders who can only take it so far before assistance is required. Whether it is straight design support, styling, or complete commissioning, it is always enjoyable working alongside others who have the same passion that we have. This year we have had a few collaborations which we will briefly describe over the next couple of pages.

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FEATURES :
Yazykov 7 Metre
Endeavour 57 (Matai)
DB30 Day Sailor
From the Design Office

Dibley November 2012 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2012-11-08T02:35:15+00:00

DB30 is a collaboration between yacht designer Kevin Dibley, and professional sailor and sailmaker, Scott Beavis. Both felt that there was a gap in the market for a yacht that a couple or young family could sail in comfort and style while going fast and having fun. This is about fun sailing, not weekend cruising. A lot of yachts in this size range are floating campervans where the designer/builder has filled every available space with accommodation and storage. The result is a slow, and heavy yacht. The DB30 is a sports car in comparison. With an attractive combination of modern angles, a classic sheer line and tumblehome aft, we believe the aesthetics will be timeless, and her performance exhilarating.

A large sail plan allows the yacht to pick up and go, with little effort. The key is to keep it simple. The fully battened square top main is easily controlled from the cockpit. A small jib allows the yacht to easily tack and a larger over-lapper gets the yacht moving in lighter airs. A retracting prod, which is pulled in and out from the cockpit, allows for both a masthead and fractional gennaker.

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FEATURES :
DB30 Day Yacht
From the Design Office
Yacht Racing and Cruisuing Updates and Results

Dibley October 2012 Press Release

info@dibleymarine.com — 2012-10-03T21:14:47+01:00

New Website Launch!

A new Website for Dibley Marine Limited has officially been launched. Come visit us:

www.dibleymarine.com

It's an informative, interactive, and user friendly web site that's both easy and fun to get around!

We’ve also linked it to our Facebook Page, so if you are a part of the Facebook generation - click on 'like’ so we can keep you updated on more of the exciting projects coming through.

Dibley September 2012 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2012-09-03T08:30:57+01:00

Gunkholing is an American boating term referring to a type of cruising in shallow or shoal water, meandering from place to place, and spending nights anchored in out of the way bays and coves that are inaccessible to vessels with deeper drafts. Though an American term, the majority of boaters from around the world, do just that. And they normally do it for just one or two nights, with the occasional week long voyage during their summer holidays. People are just to busy to spend more time boating. So when they do get out, they want to leave the complexity and business of their work week, and just keep things simple and non-complicated.

Looking out of our design office window, we look over one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere, Westhaven Marina. Most of the berths are full and the various designs, styles, and sizes seem endless. What is readily apparent, with a closer look, is how complex and cramped the majority of these vessels are. As much interior has been crammed into the fixed length and beam as is possible. That may work for some, but a lot of the boaters we speak to want simplicity without losing comfort. They want to have good indoor / outdoor flow and most importantly, a simple turn key operation that will allow them to roll up and start cruising as soon as they load her up with food and beverages.

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FEATURES :
Dibley Picnic Boat Development
7m SY Tender
From the Design Office
Updates and Results

Dibley Class 40 PDF Brochure

info@dibleymarine.com — 2012-05-04T12:27:01+01:00

Dibley Marine have been successfully involved with a large number of racing yachts over the years, both as sole designers as well as design support for Laurie Davidson.

With all our commissions, we treat each client as a custom project and can modify and change to suit the clients requirements and needs. The advantages for the client is that they are getting a personalized design, and not fitted in to someone else’s ideals. The Class 40 is a good example as it depends on where the yacht will be sailed, or whether the yacht will be shorthanded or fully crewed in the various Class 40 circuits worldwide. This affects deck layouts and ergonomics, as well as the complexity of the design.

This design process also allows us to keep the drawings updated with new technology, rule changes, material upgrades and building methods. Our Team includes world class Structural Engineers, Sail makers, Spar makers and Boat builders, but if the client is looking to build their own yacht or use their own builders, we have the team to work alongside them as design support, where and as required.

Give us a call if you are having trouble finding your ideal yacht and we will work with you to see if we can find a solution.

Kevin Dibley (Auckland, NZ)

Download Brochure

Dibley April 2012 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2012-04-10T10:03:53+01:00

The Class 40 is designed around an International Design Rule for a sea-oriented racing and cruising yacht with a maximum length of 40 feet. The original goal of the Class was to make offshore races accessible to amateur sailors, and in particular, short-handed. The success of the class in Europe has moved it beyond these parameters, with more and more professional sailors attracted to it.

Part of the attraction of this class is the simple and stringent box-rule, which keeps costs down. Building materials are limited and unlike the ‘Open 40s’, there is no canting keel, and there is some form of comfort down below. The layout shown has been designed for single handed sailing. All halyards and controls lead aft to the cockpit, and excellent cover is provided when in adverse conditions. Twin Rudders allow control at all times.

Like all of our designs, we can custom design to suit for the individual. Plans will be available to build overseas, or we can arrange for a builder in New Zealand.

Drop us an email with your wish list and we will send you further details.

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FEATURES :
Class 40 Racing Yacht New book: “A Lighter Ton”
Design Updates: Dibley 50 ‘Marnico’; Dibley 10 ‘Chikara’
Davidson 70 ‘Pendragon 6’

Dibley December 2011 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2011-12-20T08:12:18+00:00

A couple of years ago we did some design work for a client on the Caspian Sea. It was for a 32 meter luxury cruising launch that could cruise on the Volga River and the offshore strip of the Northern Caspian Sea. The project never went further than the preliminaries as the clients could not achieve the required funding, but it did lead into quite a few enquiries on Canal Boating in Europe and on the Inland Waterways of the USA.

One of our current projects is the Pioneer 39 for the New Zealand based company Mitchells Marine. Their brief was that it not only had to be offshore capable, but also sized for Canal Boating in Europe. This is a very popular form of holidaying for boaters, with Canals spread throughout France, Amsterdam, Germany, Ireland, Russia and the United Kingdom. There are also Canals and inland waterways throughout Canada and the USA, so we had to make sure that the Pioneer 39 was able to cruise the Canals with no sacrifice to the general parameters that allow her to be a great sea kindly vessel when offshore.

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FEATURES :
Canal Boating
America’s Cup 12-meter: ‘Gretel-2’ Refit
From The Design Office
Design Updates: DM3-RM Marbleheads
DM2-IOM One Metres

Dibley November 2011 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2011-11-04T20:38:00+00:00

The Dibley 55, ‘Marilyn’, was launched in February of this year by her owner/builders Stan Peyton and Mark Woods. After sea-trials, she dropped her mooring lines and headed north to Tonga and Fiji for a few months of idyllic family cruising in the Pacific Islands. Clocking up a few thousand nautical miles with 250+ nm days, Stan commented,

“After a fantastic sail to Minerva Reef in under four days, we continued on to Tonga in less than two days. Marilyn is proving to be a great Ocean Passage-maker and is extremely comfortable in large seas and fresh breezes.”

Dibley Marine’s Design Director, Kevin Dibley, worked alongside Stan and Mark throughout the build and fine-tuned the design further to cater for changes they wanted in the accommodation layout and systems. The result was a complete success and her recent attendance at the Auckland International Boatshow resulted in further enquiries from those looking at dropping the hectic pace of life and sailing off into the sunset. Further photos and the yachts specifications can be acquired from Dibley Marine.

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FEATURES :
Dibley 55 Cruising Yacht 'Marilyn' Jelik 2 Racing Yacht wins '2011 China Cup International Regatta'
Podium finishes for Frenzy & Nosaka in the '2011 Coastal Classic Yacht Race'
Dibley 26 Supergroove and Springloaded
Dibley 25 Carbon in the USA
DM2 IOM (International One Meter)

Dibley August 2011 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2011-08-01T10:37:41+01:00

NZ based boat-building company, Mitchells Marine, have commissioned Dibley Marine Ltd, to design their new flag ship, the Pioneer 39. Designed in the tradition of the Sea Bright Skiff from the East Coast of the USA, Dibley Marine have taken the concept further by modernising her under body shape to minimise drag, maximise range and efficiency, and make this a very cost efficient yacht that will appeal to a large range of boaties.

The Sea Bright Skiff concept has been around since the early 19th Century when they were used for running prohibition bootleggers between the famous Rum Islands of the Caribbean. They had to be sea worthy, light, strong and with excellent directional stability.

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FEATURES :
Mitchells Pioneer 39 Launch
Artist - Rachel Harper
100 meter Zeus Project

Dibley April 2011 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2011-04-17T08:18:33+01:00

We have recently had a large increase on shorthanded capable racing yacht enquiries. The Classe 950 is our most popular to date, and the Class 40 is another that is showing a lot of interest. Both these Classes are well established globally, but the concept of safe ‘Open type’ offshore yachts can also be a ‘concept and philosophy’ that can fall under any size.

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FEATURES :
Dibley Open 800 Design Racing Outrigger Canoe Design IOM Production
Keel & Bulb Design

Dibley IOM Press Release, April 2011

info@dibleymarine.com — 2011-04-07T18:04:38+01:00

Early in 2011, Carl Smith, Graham Roberts and Antony Sisson, approached Dibley Marine in regards to producing the DM range of International One Metre (IOM) radio controlled yachts that have dominated the New Zealand fleets since they came on the scene back in 2009. Carl Smith was Dibley Marine’s first client back in the early 1990’s when he built the Dibley 650 sportsboat ‘Stealth’. Carl is currently building his third Dibley designed yacht, a 40-foot Canting Keeler which he is hoping to launch sometime this year. Joining Carl in the IOM venture is Graham Roberts who runs coaching and mentoring sessions at the Tauranga Radio Sailing Club, and Antony Sisson who, as a New Zealand Boatbuilder, has been building IOM’s, in his spare time, for as long as he can remember.

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FEATURES :
IOM (International One Meter)
Radio Controlled Racing Yacht
New Zealand Champion hulls
In Production in NZ

Dibley Classe 950 Design 2011

info@dibleymarine.com — 2011-03-14T11:23:34+00:00

An opportunity is available to anyone local or overseas, interested in joining an established class, for offshore capable, short-handed, racing.

Aimed at coastal, semi offshore, and offshore short- handed racing, the Classe 950 is an already established Box Rule offering a stepping stone from the Mini Transat 650 to the Class 40 which is getting such good results and fleet numbers out of Europe.

Dibley Marine is working alongside Structural Engineer Nina Heatley and a New Zealand boat building company to develop a structure package for this exciting new design.

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SPECIAL FEATURE :
New Dibley Classe 950

Dibley December 2010 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2010-12-16T10:12:39+00:00

The Class 950 is a box rule that was created by famed French solo sailor Jean-Marie Vidal in 2006. Aimed at coastal, semi offshore, and offshore short-handed racing, the rule intends to bridge the gap in both performance and cost between the Mini 6.50 and the Class 40.

The Class 950 is the perfect yacht for the Corinthian sailor looking for a mid- sized, competitive, fast, fun and affordable boat to race. But the rules also stipulate a minimal amount of interior which includes a small Galley, Head, Berths and Nav Station. This gives more than adequate accommodation for comfortable weekend cruising.

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FEATURES :
New Dibley Classe 950
IRC 34 Update
Davidson 69 Pendragon VI launch

Dibley November 2010 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2010-10-28T22:26:34+01:00

The Design Process: We are often asked how the process works when a client approaches us for a design, or has ideas they want to bounce around before committing to a project. Our projects are quite diverse and we find that the most successful way of approaching a new design is to split the project into ‘Preliminary and Working Drawing’ stages.

The Preliminary Stage allows the designer & client to get a clear understanding of what is required and to put this into initial drawings. It is the foundation of all future work and everything that follows will be based on these drawings. Costs for the preliminary work depend on the project on hand and we would supply a quote on a project-by-project bases.

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FEATURES :
The Design Process
Dibley 42 IRC Optimisation
News and Results

Dibley August 2010 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2010-08-01T21:59:46+01:00

The Dibley 34 could best be described as the ideal kiwi yacht for sailing in local and coastal races and regattas. Designed for upwind performance, this design will also take off in the reaches and runs but with full control at all times.

Cockpit layout and sailing systems have been thought out carefully to minimise crew movement during tacks and gybes and to make sailing easy and effortless throughout all manoeuvres. This yacht would be an ideal shorthanded racer with all lines and halyards leading aft and within easy reach.

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FEATURES :
Dibley 34 Racing / Cruising Yacht
News from Dibley Designs around the World
News and Results

Dibley June 2010 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2010-06-01T14:09:11+01:00

As soon as you see the word IRC and connect it with anything between 38’ and 43’, you will be excused from thinking heavy production type lead mines. It is this type form that seems to do well under this rule and not until you get into the 48’ plus lengths that lighter displacement hull forms can start performing to the rating.

The cost comparison of a TP 52 and a 42-footer both in build and campaign costs is far more than triple so we have a group of yachties out there that want their yacht to light up and fly but are either forced to go heavy and slow to have any chance under IRC, or go to a different rule / handicap system all together.

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FEATURES :
Dibley 42 IRC
Latest from the Design Office
News and Results

Dibley January 2010 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2010-01-26T21:47:42+00:00

Why would someone commission a Yacht Designer? Surely, by now, there are enough boats on the market to cater for everyone’s needs! There must be hundreds of millions of vessels out there! The question was put to me a few years back when a potential Client walked into our office, thinking we were also a Brokerage. He’d been visiting Brokerage firms for over a year and he was prepared to keep looking until he found his dream boat, come ‘hell or high water’.

The main attribute a Designer needs, besides the obvious ability to design a yacht, is the ability to listen. As the ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus [AD 55 – 135] said

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak:

Wise words for a Designer to heed. The Client conveys their needs, and the Designer must then put those needs into a workable design. Sometimes the Client isn't sure what their needs are, but with careful listening and using their own experiences and knowledge, the Designer can help them steer their way through the possible' and impossible wants. The result is a Client that is more knowledgeable than he was previously, and a Designer that has a better brief to work with. So the Client not only walks away with a Custom Yacht or re-Design that fits his/her own ideals and needs, but they also walk away more experienced, knowledgeable, and a clearer vision than when they first walked in.

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FEATURES :
A Last Minute look at 2009
Dibley 57 Performance Cruising Yacht
Commission a Designer

Dibley November 2009 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2009-11-15T16:11:23+00:00

We are often asked how the process works when a client approaches us for a design, or has ideas they want to bounce around before committing to a project. Our projects are quite diverse and we find that the most successful way of approaching a new design is to split the project into ‘Preliminary and Working Drawing’ stages.

The Preliminary Stage allows the designer & client to get a clear understanding of what is required and to put this into initial drawings. It is the foundation of all future work and everything that follows will be based on these drawings. Costs for the preliminary work depend on the project on hand and we would supply a quote on a project-by-project bases.

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FEATURES :
Design Tools - What We Use!
From The Drawing Board
Radio Controlled Yachts

Dibley Summer 2009 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2009-10-15T16:11:23+01:00

Newly built by Langoon Royal Shipyard in the Ukraine, this Classic Dragon was shipped to New Zealand for finishing touches. Dibley Marine Project Managed a group of New Zealand sub-contracters which included Phil Bish Boatbuilders, Simon Kidd of Doyle Sails, Grant Blewett of Harken who put the Deck Systems together, John Bennett of Sparloft for the rig.

“Dibley Marine found the process almost effortless with the quality of the people involved”.

With her first launch in February, her New Zealand skipper, Alex Kirichuk will sail her in the New Zealand Dragon National Championships in March against a fleet of local yachts.

Designed by Johan Anker in 1929, the Dragon Class has grown to be one of the most prestigious Classes in the world of competitive yachting. Classes are split between the Modern GRP Dragons and the Wooden Classics.

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FEATURES :
International Dragon Class Refit
2009 Launching Updates
Gretel II Relaunches

Dibley August 2009 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2009-08-15T16:11:23+01:00

Over the past few years, Dibley Marine has been involved in a number of Keel, Bulb and Rudder modifications for existing yachts. These yachts have ranged from 25 feet up to 150 feet and from various design houses around the world. The two main reasons our clients have approached us for new Appendages is for either a performance gain, or draft restrictions. Other reasons, and some are related to the above, are: Reducing Leeway, Minimising Drag, Increasing VMG [Velocity Made Good), To correct a Trim Issue, To correct a Weight Issue and to help with Helm Balance. Yachts are usually designed for a specific service to their original owner, or to a Marketing Teams vision of what the masses want in a yacht. But when a yacht has been on-sold, sometimes the total package doesn’t quite fit within the new owners requirements, and changing the appendages can be a good way of getting a great yacht that performs to their expectations.

We recently did a new keel for a client who had increased his sail area by 20% and found that the existing keels profile area couldn’t resist the new sail plans side force. So they were pointing higher and going faster over the water, but they were slipping sideways a lot more and thus their VMG took a big dive as compared to their previous performance numbers.

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FEATURES :
Appendage Refits - Why ?
On The Drawing Board
10m Production Water Taxi

Dibley July 2009 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2009-07-15T16:11:22+01:00

Dibley Marine continues progress on the Caspian 30 project. Currently working through the Russian Rules for Inland Waterways and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) compliancy rules for Intact and Damage Stability, Dibley has pulled in local Marine Consultant, John Harrhy to assist in the program. One of Harrhy’s specialist areas is in Classification Society and Safety Approval requirements. The finished Preliminary Stability Booklet will be used as the base weight and trim control sheet during construction.

The Russian requirements include compliance to severe wind and rolling and must meet stability criteria for Ice build up on Deck. The Preliminary Package will include General Appearance, Interior Layouts, Systems design for Plumping, Electrical and Hydraulic as well as Stability requirements which will need to be met by the builders during the construction process.

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FEATURES :
Caspian 30m Progress Update
On The Drawing Board
Pendragon VI Launched !

Dibley April 2009 Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2009-04-15T16:11:21+01:00

The newly launched Classic Dragon, ‘Alla’ (NZL-15) that was featured in our last Newsletter, finished a credible 3rd in the 2009 New Zealand International Dragon Association. Owner / Skipper, Alex Kirichuk, received the ‘Brown and Stone Trophy’ for best performing “Classic Dragon” for this result. NZL-15, an all wooden Dragon, was skippered by Alex, and crewed by Simon Kidd of Doyle Sailmakers, and Kevin Dibley. This was the first time NZL-15 sailed and the crew were still tuning her up to the last race.

The Regatta was won by Scott Palmer and his crew of Fraser Beer and Phil Allen in their GRP Dragon ‘Yankee Doodle Dandee’. Past National Champion, John Webber and his crew of Frans & Sam de Court teamed up on ‘Matuku’ to take a hard fought for 2nd place. Alex Samorukov, Simon Kidd, Kevin Dibley, Alex Kirichuk.

With the World Championships in Melbourne in 2011, the New Zealand International Dragon Association has seen this Regatta as a platform to build up the local Dragon fleet. Alex Kirichuk, who brought in NZL-15 from the Ukrainian yard of ‘Lagoon Royal’, has a further two dragons underway and hopes to have them sent to New Zealand to be finished off, in the very near future.

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FEATURES :
New Zealand Dragon Class Nationals
On The Drawing Board
On The Race Course

Dibley 33 Racing Yacht

info@dibleymarine.com — 2007-02-05T13:17:32+00:00

The brief for the Dibley 33R was for an exciting high performance racing yacht that combined dinghy like performance with strength and seakindliness for semi-offshore and coastal races. She also had to fit within a 40-foot container and be shipped anywhere in the world.

The hull form utilizes a narrow beam waterline with slightly hollow waterlines forward, with our usual u-shaped sections fairing into a flat run aft. The combination is carefully considered to ensure a well-balanced hull form that will perform beautifully upwind and down.

Dibley 33 Cruising Yacht

info@dibleymarine.com — 2007-02-05T13:16:02+00:00

The Dibley 33C uses the same hull form as the Dibley 33R but is de-powered to cater for more stability and internal comfort. Like the Dibley 33R, she also had to fit within a 40-foot container and be shipped anywhere in the world.

Dibley 26 Racing Trailer Sailer

info@dibleymarine.com — 2007-02-05T13:14:10+00:00

The brief for the Dibley 26 was for an exciting all round performance trailer sailer with a high stability factor and a simple yet highly efficient deck layout. She is optimised for 10-16 knots wind speeds but has the sail-power to handle the light and a hull form that can get up and boogie in the higher ends. She also had to slide into a 40-foot container, with trailer, and be shipped anywhere in the world.

Dibley 46 Grabs Podium Finish in 2006 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race

info@dibleymarine.com — 2007-01-09T12:17:55+00:00

Sailing in her third Sydney to Hobart Race, ‘Fincorp More Witchcraft’, skippered by Australian, John Cameron, sailed across the finish line in Hobart, Tasmania to record a second place in PHS Division A. Cameron, sailing in his 14th Sydney Hobart Race, along with Robbie Burns, sailing his 25th Hobart race, sailed a consistent but tactical course south to finish in 3-days and 20-hours.

Designed by Kevin Dibley in 1995 and built by Ian Vickers of Auckland, New Zealand, ‘Fincorp More Witchcraft’ was given a complete makeover in 2005, including new appendages, giving her a more competitive performance edge both on and off the wind.

"Supergroove enters European Circuit"

info@dibleymarine.com — 2006-10-06T15:04:43+01:00

Supergroove was purchased in June, 2006 by Jonathan & Verity Cunliffe from Falmouth, England, and shipped to it's new owners just in time for Falmouth Week which provided a good learning curve for SG's new owners. Both Jonathan and Verity are experienced sailors having raced everything from J24s to Superyachts in all corners of the globe.

Sagitarius Consoles

info@dibleymarine.com — 2006-07-07T10:38:40+01:00

This console marks the first in a series of design projects with Sagitarius Rhibs.

The console features functional and ergonomic details that make it one of the safest and most practical in its' class.

This Sagitarius rhib is scheduled to go into production in early 2007.

Contact Dibley Marine for more information

Pilothouse 55' Performance Cruising Yacht, Marnico

info@dibleymarine.com — 2006-06-28T06:24:45+01:00

Marnico was designed as a fast, performance orientated cruising yacht emphasising an open and comfortable interior plan. Our intent has been to provide a boat that could easily be sailed single-handed with the option to include guests on shorter coastal voyages.

July 2005 Dibley Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2005-07-01T12:55:13+01:00

Jive Talkin’, racing in the 2005 Auckland/Suva race, has cleaned up on ORC and PHRF handicap as well as finishing 8th on line behind much larger yachts including the super-maxi Konica Minolta.

Racing with a small crew of six, this little 35’ yellow rocket. was first past Northhead and had averaged a speed of 10.8 knots for the first two days before the breeze lightened north of New Zealand. With constant bursts of 21 knots, and an average speed of over 10 knots for the race, Jive’ was worked hard and the win well deserved.

Designed by Laurie Davidson in 2001, with design support by Dibley Marine, Jive Talkin’ has dominated the various ORC offshore series that she has entered since launch- ing, and with her new keel and rudder designed by Dibley last year to account for the new changes in the rule and the way the crew sail her, she has again taken a leap forward in both performance and handling.

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July 2005 Dibley Newsletter

June 2005 Dibley Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2005-06-01T12:51:49+01:00

Designed in conjunction with Chris Bouzaid and the Waianiwa Group in the USA, the brief was for a fast, safe, comfortable ocean-going cruising yacht, with a classic but modern style in her aesthetics. Our intent has been to provide a boat readily sailed shorthanded handed and with a turn of performance that will allow her crew exhilarating sailing within a moderate displacement. This boat is ideally suited to participation in any of the various ocean cruising rallies that are currently enjoying increasing popularity.

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

The raised upper saloon and Navigation station allows guests and owners to enjoy the views and sight-lines while under sail or when in port; with formal saloon and entertaining further below. Two main sleeping Cabins with a third for extra guests and a well laid out galley ensure all the comforts are catered for.

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June 2005 Dibley Newsletter

"Supergroove Wins NZ Trail Yacht Championships"

info@dibleymarine.com — 2005-04-01T01:04:31+01:00

Just weeks after winning the 100-mile Gulf Classic on Line and Handicap, the 12-year old Supergroove took out the New Zealand Trailer Yacht Championships, once again with overall Line Honours. Racing in her 6th Trailer Yacht Nationals since launching, Supergroove has now won the event 4 times with two second places in 1997 and 2000. The 2005 event consisted of eight windward / leeward races and one long harbour race with no drops for the Series. According to owner / skipper, Graham Rowe,

“We scored five firsts, a second, two thirds, and a sixth. Weather conditions ranged from 30 knots on the first day, up to 15 knots on the subsequent two days. A first, the two thirds and the sixth came with the heavier air and awful chop”.

In the better conditions, Supergroove lived up to her name. She was first around every mark on the final day of three races and the crew work just got better and better. But as Graham Rowe comments:

“In races that were about 3.6 miles in length, we could not generate the 6 minute lead we needed to get the edge over the Ross 780’s on handicap”.

Again, well done to Graham and his crew of Colleen Slagter (3 days) / Mark Ansell (one day) on mainsheet, Andy McCallum on foresail, Pedro Morgan on keyboards / trim and Stuart Park on bow.

Note: Supergroove is currently on the market, so let us know if you have an interest. Full spec sheets available on request.

Contact Dibley Marine for more information

March 2005 Press Release

info@dibleymarine.com — 2005-03-01T12:53:41+00:00

Sailing in tricky, light conditions, ‘Supergroove’ took out the double in the 100 Mile Gulf Classic run by the Waikato Yacht Squadron’ held on March 12 & 13th. Sailing on a course that covers the Harauki Gulf, Graham Rowe and crew crossed the line almost two hours ahead of the next yacht which resulted in winning both Line and Handicap honours.

Supergroove has done this race 6 times with 5 Line Honour wins but this is the first Double she has achieved.

Designed in 1993 for Jono Gravit, ‘Supergroove’ went on to win four New Zealand Trailer Yacht Championships along with a host of other events. Her new owner, Graham Rowe, has continued the success and is keeping the 12 year old design competitive with the addition of a new 2 metre prod that Dibley designed for her earlier this year.

According to Graham, “We were using our largest gennaker, normally flown on a pole, but having its effort further for- ward meant that we carried it in heavier air than we would have on the pole and we were well under control all the time.”

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March 2005 Press Release

November 2004 Dibley Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2004-11-01T17:41:03+00:00

Click link to download PDF

November 2004 Dibley Newsletter

"Babe in the 2003 Melbourne to Hobart Race"

info@dibleymarine.com — 2004-06-01T10:38:50+01:00

A Summary of the 2003 Melbourne to Hobart race by Babe crew member Andrew Stewart:

"A good start but as always the first 8 miles to the Heads was reaching, so given water-line length (smallest boat in the fleet), we ended up leaving the Heads mid fleet. We headed east for the first 24 hours looking and hoping for an easterly change. Unfortunately the system had slowed a little and the expected ENE came around 12 - 18 hours later than the pre-race info suggested ..."

"The Designer with Nine Lives" by Laurance Schaffler

info@dibleymarine.com — 2004-04-30T22:49:15+01:00

By his own admission, Auckland yacht designer Kevin Dibley shouldn't be alive. He's beaten cancer and survived a near catastrophic capsize during the 1993 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. But far from denting his enthusiasm for life, these experiences have only served to sharpen his boat designing focus. Lawrence Schaffler reports.

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"Lasca Crosses the Tasman"

info@dibleymarine.com — 2004-03-21T08:41:36+00:00

The Commander 66 'Lasca' (formerly Knight Commander) has crossed the Tasman after summer sailing in Fiji, the Islands and around New Zealand. Her plans are to explore the Eastern Australian coastline with her new owners

"38' Racing Yacht Under Construction in New Zealand"

info@dibleymarine.com — 2004-02-29T20:46:56+00:00

Carl Smith from Tauranga, New Zealand is currently building a 38' Racing / Cruising Yacht ... the latest design out of the Dibley Design Studio. Built for his own use, Carl plans to campaign her in local and National events as well as the occasional offshore event such as Hamilton Island Race Week in Queensland, Australia

February 2004 Dibley Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2004-02-01T17:46:51+00:00

Carl Smith, from Tauranga, New Zealand, is currently building a 38’ Racing / Cruising Yacht which is the latest design out of the Dibley Design Studio. Being built for his own use, Carl plans to campaign her in local and National events as well as the occasional offshore event such as Hamilton Island Race Week in Queensland Australia.

Carl has had a long association with Dibley Marine and was the first owner / builder of the Dibley 650 ‘Stealth’ which is racing successfully in the South Island. Structural Engineering was done by High Modulus NZ Ltd. and the Rig was designed by Chris Mitchell of Applied Engineering Ltd. Launch date will be early 2005.

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February 2004 Dibley Newsletter

January 2004 Dibley Newsletter

info@dibleymarine.com — 2004-01-01T12:58:10+00:00

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January 2004 Dibley Newsletter

"Dibley Marine & Commander Yachts in Joint Marketing Effort"

info@dibleymarine.com — 2002-01-01T04:14:44+00:00

The Commander 80 is a high performance cruising yacht of modern appearance with two-handed capability. She has a smooth interior / exterior flow that re-defines luxury, both on deck and throughout the accommodation.

The hull form has relatively fine u-shaped sections forward, which soften into a flat run aft. To ensure high performance while providing a spacious, comfortable interior, the topsides have been flared so as not to adversely affect the yacht's ideal volume distribution below the waterline when sailing.