Dehler 38 (van de Stadt)

Description

The Dehler 38 is a German sailboat designed by the acclaimed Dutch firm E.G. van de Stadt as a performance-oriented cruiser-racer, balancing competitive speed for club racing with comfortable accommodations for family coastal cruising and short offshore passages on lakes or protected waters. Introduced in 1981 by Dehler Yachts in Germany during the early 1980s fiberglass boom, it was van de Stadt's collaboration with the builder to create a versatile 38-footer with innovative construction like an integrated alloy space frame and extensive Kevlar use for lightweight strength, targeting experienced sailors amid the IOR-influenced era. The design features a fiberglass monohull with a fin keel (bulb optional) and spade rudder for agile upwind handling, a wide beam for stability, and a fractional sloop rig for efficient sail trim and good light-air performance, with a moderate displacement/length ratio for quick acceleration and a high ballast ratio for stiffness in gusts. Production ran until 1984, with approximately 50 units built, reflecting Dehler's focus on affordable, high-quality yachts inspired by offshore racing trends. Contemporary reviews praised its "ideal family cruising yacht" qualities, emphasizing sea-keeping ability, safety, and value as a "moderate weight sailboat" with impressive performance. It's distinct from the modern 2013 Dehler 38 SQ (Judel/Vrolijk design).