Review

Dappled Sea

We take a 51-metre long-range explorer into open water off Northstead.

Haldane Works has given Dappled Sea a high bow, a sheltered observation deck and windows deep enough to sit inside. The profile is purposeful without resorting to the military cues that have become commonplace among explorers.

First impressions

Boarding in Northstead, we find an interior of pale ash, linen and softly hammered bronze. Sightlines are excellent from the main salon, although the central staircase takes more floor area than the arrangement plan suggests.

At sea

Our trial begins in a short 1-metre swell. At 14 knots the hull settles quickly, with little slamming and only a faint hum in the aft guest cabins. Pushing to 16 knots raises fuel consumption sharply, making the claimed economical range of 4,710 nautical miles the more relevant figure.

Living aboard

The standout space is the upper-deck conservatory. Crew circulation is well separated, stores are sensibly located, and the galley has enough cold capacity for a three-week passage. Our main criticism is the lack of shade around the forward pool.

Specifications

Verdict

A convincing long-range yacht with a calm motion and unusually good crew spaces. We would trade some of the showpiece staircase for a larger gym, but the fundamentals are sound.