Dart SB3
It is such a relief to sail a keelboat where one can be entirely independent of marinas, lifts and four wheel drive vehicles! The whole launching process is a straightforward two man job.” Mark Rushall. Yachts & Yachting Boat Test
Glenn Bourke - 3 time World Champion:
"In my opinion the SB3 is simply the best small keelboat money can buy. They are good in light airs or a howling blow, they are tactical upwind and down which makes for good racing and, once you launch the masthead spinny then get ready for some blasting downwind action. But what really help set this one design apart from all the others is how easy they are - Easy to find crew, with only three necessary, easy to rig, easy to tow and best of all, easy on the pocket.
Well done!
On its custom built trailer, the SB3 can be towed comfortably behind a normal family car and is easy to manhandle around the boat park. The mast is raised in minutes using the trailer winch, launching and recovery is as easy as a small powerboat or RIB. There is no need for cranes or costly marina services.
“Upwind the racing is incredibly close keelboat sailing; downwind you increase the pace and enjoy the excitement of asymmetric dinghy sailing.” Rob Andrews
Design
Tony Castro, with his proven success in sports boat design as well as achievements in other keelboat classes worldwide, was chosen by Dart for the SB3. It was clear from the outset that he shared the same vision and passion for the project. The result is a boat that Dart and Tony Castro can be truly proud of.
Development
The prototype SB3 was exhaustively tested by probably the most experienced team ever to work on a production project. Top International keel boat sailors, World and National dinghy champions, Olympic coaches, sail, spar and foil experts, all supported by our in house team. We didn’t start any production tooling until the test programme was finished and all had signed off on the final design. Our investment in this programme has ensured that your SB3 has no vices, no nasty tricks and no hidden problems. Sails like a dream and performs way beyond expectations – and will continue to do so!
Hull
Foam sandwich FRP construction with internal frame and bulkheads, built to the highest build quality. Robust, lightweight and virtually maintenance free.
Sails
All the sails are strict one design and only supplied by the builder. The Mainsail and Jib are manufactured from X-ply mylar. Both sails are full radial cut with stitched seams providing durability and strength. The Jib incorporates battens in the leech promoting durability and an even twist up the sail. This has a three-hole clew plate for sheeting angle adjustment. The Mainsail has one full length and three short battens. Large windows in the Jib and Mainsail offer a wide field of view. The gennaker is manufactured from .75oz Dynalite – a silicon coated nylon and is cut with a high clew for excellent downwind visibility.
Spars
Mast: Deck stepped Proctor Selden 4028 alloy section double spreader mast, black anodised with custom side taper. Harken hardware, Spinlock PX Jib power cleat, 400mm angled backstay crane. Boom: Proctor Selden black anodised super stiff 120/62 alloy boom section. Pole: Retractable Proctor Selden tapered 81/52 filament wound carbon tube.
Hardware
Fitted-out exclusively by Harken, chosen for outstanding quality, strength and durability. Most products come from their carbo-block and hexaratchet range. Spinlock halyard cleating system offers easy lock and release under load.
Foils
One-piece, balanced rudder. Reinforced with carbon, the rudder is manufactured out of epoxy with an epoxy foam core.
High aspect ratio keel Stainless steel main member with an epoxy foam core and polyester skin. Incorporating a lead bulb of 330 kilograms at the base.
Why SB3?
Because you want close, exciting racing with the ease of a keel boat but with-out the hassle of a marina.
If you haven't yet sailed an SB3 or your looking for an introduction call the sales team on +61 (03) 90164151
Vital Statistics
SB3
Colour - Vela Grey.
Dimensions
Length (LOA) - 6.15m
Beam - 2.15m
Draft - 1.5m
Mast Height - 9.05m
Mainsail - 18m2
Jib - 9.3m2
Gennaker - 46m2Trailer -260kg
Weight of Hull - 265kg
Weight of keel (bulb) -330kg
All up towing weight under - 900kg
Details
Construction Material Foam sandwich FRP
Features and Benefits
- Mast raising and lowering is made simple. You arrive at your sailing venue and the SB3 can be rigged and ready to sail in under 30 minutes.
- Gnav system - this feature creates additional space for crew manoeuvres
- The Dart SB3 benefits from an unprecedented class race circuit sponsorship
- The Dart SB3 provides sportsboat sailing for a crew of three, with a maximum crew weight limit to ensure close competition.
- Lifting Keel - provides for easy launch and recovery, and is a dream for towing.
- Low aspect keel and a high ballast ratio make the Dart SB3 a very stiff and stable sportsboat
- Non-hiking - With the implementation of a no-hiking rule, race results rely on skills and tactics and not on the fitness of the crew. In fact the sit-in bars effectively prevent hiking and promote on-board communication between crew members
- Low sheet loads - A modern powerful rig with a high aspect gennaker keeps sheet loads to a minimum, allowing mixed crews to sail the boat to its best.
- High freeboard and flared gunwales - keeps life onboard extremely dry
- Open sports boat to be sailed by a crew of three - A comfortable wide-open cockpit with clear uncluttered controls. Finding a crew of three is rarely a problem.
- Strict one design - Identical boats, controlled by strict one-design class rules for hull rig and sails, ensures close competition, and keep running costs to a minimum.