1981 Brighton Dehler DB1

Liberty, a Brighton built Dehler DB1 (with an early DB2 2 spreader rig) is for sale. A boat with a winning record over the decades (Most recently second, Mills Race 2023, lost by 16 seconds), Liberty is what you expect to see in a classic race boat. Quite honestly she is the most beautiful boat Ive ever owned. The lines all work, she looks fast even sitting at the dock, and turns heads wherever we go.

She has lived her entire life in the freshwater the Great lakes

Liberty is NOT a family cruiser, but would be incredibly fun for the right family. With a minimalist interior she is meant to go fast, point well, and keep her crew safe. The running backs and check stays (checks only needed in winds over 20) can be a bit intimidating at first, but she doesnt need a large crew to make her go. Last summer I did close to 400 miles solo on her (with autohelm, included) proving she can be sailed short handed. Also can be a nice weekender for the right couple, Ive lived on her for as long as 5 days.

Ive heard many tales about her quality of construction and materials used. I believe most of them to be true and would be glad to discuss with an interested buyer. With aluminum tube frames glassed into both the deck and the hull, she is incredibly stiff and strong. Rod rigging with below deck turnbuckles at the shrouds transfer the loads to an aluminum roll cage below decks, tying the loads into the keel stepped mast.

Details: LOA: 33 Beam: 11 Draft: 6

Year Built: 1980 Builder: Brighton Yachts, Canada Brighton was licensed to build both the DB1 and Sprinta Sport Models in North America for Dehler. The Sprinta was wildly popular, and it is believed that Brighton built 5 DB1s. Another example of the Brighton DB1 is known to be sailing (and racing) on the Atlantic Coast of Canada.

Currently in the water at Monroe, Michigan, dock is not available.

Hundreds of pics available on request

I love this boat. But there’s things I need to do and places I need to go. Liberty’s just not the right boat for that journey.

Equipment: Sail inventory: Dieball Main, 1 reef 155% job b 100% jib Spinnaker. Sail Inventory is a bit aged, but spent many years in the bags. You can be competitive in a weeknight beer can race, but will want to replace/upgrade if you are going to campaign the boat.

Much of the running rigging (including Dyneema backstay) was replaced between 2022 and 2024. Numerous new blocks.

Auxiliary Power: Universal MD-25 3 cylinder diesel with oversized alternator and oversized water pump. New 2022 12 gallon poly diesel tank Folding Prop.

Electrical: Cranking Amps Battery new 2022 House Battery New 2023 New Battery Switch 2022. New Power Panel (with integral USB Ports, Low draw voltmeter) new 2023 All interior lights were replaced/upgraded to LED. New Mast head Light New Steaming/deck light (deck only non-led light on the boat: halogen) All running lights were replaced with LED bulbs 2022 Standard Marine Radio with new (2024) masthead antenna.

Instruments Nexus NX2 with: Wind, Knot Meter, Depth, and Compass. Currently using wifi repeater to broadcast NMEA to tablets and phones instead of dedicated displays.Works really well, while being easier and cheaper to replace than dedicated displays.

Garmin GPSMAP 422 with external antenna (negotiable, not included, antenna will stay though)

Interior: Igloo cooler fitted to galley drain (double valved) 4 bunks: 2 settees and 2 quarter berths (snug, but not impossible to fit 2 in a quarter berth) Rebuilt/new (2022->2024) galley area, nav table, companionway steps, settees (with hinged lift seats for easy below seat access) Floor boards. Jabsco head complete rebuild 2023. Interior Pictures coming soon

Misc: OverSized Danforth Anchor 10 of chain, 150 yards of rope. Cradle. New Aft/ in cockpit port window in quarter berth (2023)