DEHLER 36 CWS Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The Dehler 36 CWS, designed by Van de Stadt, is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer recognized for its innovative Central Winch System. It is engineered for efficient shorthanded sailing without compromising the speed and responsiveness expected from the Dehler brand.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the rig dimensions reveals a balanced and efficient sail plan:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.67 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, favoring aerodynamic efficiency and superior pointing ability.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.44 is relatively high, supporting tall, efficient headsails that excel in close-hauled performance.
• Sail Area: With 59m² of total upwind area, the boat offers a high power-to-weight ratio for its class.
• Performance: The configuration is optimized for fast passage making and club racing, providing agility in a wide range of wind conditions.

Popular Sail Configurations

Due to the versatile rig design, owners utilize various setups to suit their specific sailing goals:

• Mainsail: Fully battened configurations are popular to maintain the shape of the high-aspect 34m² mainsail.
• Headsail: Most setups feature a 26m² furling jib or a slightly overlapping genoa to maximize the tall foretriangle.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Power: The 2.67 P/E ratio delivers significant lift and reduces drag for better windward performance.
• Versatile Foretriangle: The 3.44 I/J ratio allows for efficient headsails that are easy to tack in narrow channels.
• Shorthanded Optimized: The 10.87m hull is designed to be managed from the cockpit via the CWS.
• Weatherly Design: Excellent close-windedness thanks to the narrow beam-to-length ratio and efficient rig.

Sailing Considerations

The Dehler 36 CWS is a stiff and stable platform, but the high-aspect rig requires proactive trimming. The Central Winch System allows a single sailor to manage high sheet loads effectively. Performance is peak in moderate breezes, where the 59m² sail area provides excellent momentum.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the Dehler 36 CWS, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice. SurgeX utilizes continuous fiber construction, where load-path fibers are embedded in a thin membrane to provide superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron. This technology ensures the high-aspect 2.67 P/E mainsail maintains its aerodynamic profile over a wider wind range, reducing the need for early reefing.

For racing applications, a lightweight SurgeX configuration with specialized fiber density maximizes acceleration. For cruising or bluewater use, we recommend adding a taffeta protective layer to both sides of the membrane to enhance UV resistance and chafe protection. Given the rig's geometry, a tri-radial fiber layout within the membrane works best to handle the vertical loads of the tall P dimension. A typical inventory includes a fully battened mainsail and a 105% furling jib. With 59m² of total area, plan to reef the mainsail when true wind speeds consistently exceed 18-20 knots to maintain an upright, efficient heel angle.

Conclusion

The Dehler 36 CWS is a masterclass in combining high-aspect rig efficiency with ease of handling. Explore sail options for the Dehler 36 CWS to maximize your vessel's performance potential.