46 foot beneteau oceanis sailboat

46 is the new 48: Sailing a Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

• October 26th, 2018
• Sailing Yacht

After I was excited to getting a tour in Beneteau´s newest breed of the Oceanis cruisers, the 46.1, as Clemence Bercault, chief of the Oceanis line was walking me through the boat (read this article here ) I was especially excited to finally come to sail one of these last week. Can the boat´s performance and seagoing properties live up to the high standard of her modern, spacious interior?

It was blowing hard in Port Ginesta, no 15 minutes by car from Barcelona airport, when I arrived. No good time for sea trials, as the skippers of the yard signal: Just outside passing the breakwater of Ginesta harbour some 25 to 30 knots of winds and seas as high a four metres were building up – so I´d had to wait a full day as none of the boats where leaving their moorings that day.

A good chance for me to have another thorough look at the boat: With a length over all of 14.60 metres including her bow sprit (which is standard!) she is 48 feet long. Herr hull measures 13.60 metres in length total, which is 45 feet. Truth is, as Beneteau´s designers told me, that her internal volume and the measurements of galley, cabins et cetera are actually exceeding these of the Oceanis 48 which went out of production alongside Oceanis 45 to make room for the new boat. Impressive!

Nice flat design: Perfect view

Of course, the new Oceanis 46.1 boats the elegant and yet ingenious application of the forward chines (which had been introduced with the Oceanis 51.1 ) – and these are responsible for the great increase of internal volume – yet without sacrificing sailing abilities, as they tell me: The wetted surface and the form of the hull underwater remains slim and nicely cut. No compromise for the sailors. We will see, I think to myself, as we are finally casting off the following day.

We boarded the Oceanis 46.1 “First Line” which is one of three concepts of the 46.1 – deep keel, taller mast with more sails area, no mainsheet arch and a “racy” look. That said, standing at the wheel leaving harbour, I enjoyed a very, very good view over the boat. Of course, we didn´t had the sprayhood up, but nevertheless, the clean uninterrupted sight reminded me of the nice, elegant and flat deck of a Solaris sailing yacht .

Standing on the bow looking abaft I also enjoyed the nice flat design: As all new .1-Oceanis boats, the 46.1 comes with a edgy, slightly aggressive design. The U-shaped skylights are a very nice signature design feature (and providing lots of natural light to the salon). The inner shrouds are places to the inside of the gangboards of the deck which allows for an uninterrupted free passage between the. Nice. The Oceanis 46.1 can be equipped with a self tacking jip and/or an overlapping Genoa on nicely long tracks. “My” boat for the day had the Genoa rigged.

Oceanis 46.1 First Line or Cruising version?

The difference the new 46.1 is making is more than just this. For the first time a yard was truly “listening” to what the market wants and has adapted the product accordingly: To define the standard fittings of the Oceanis 46.1, Beneteau analysed all the past purchased 45 and 48 boats and was putting to the standard what was chosen by 70 to 80 per cent of the sailors. That means, that the standard Oceanis 46.1 has an in-mast main sail, self tacking jib, 3 cabin/2 heads and 57 horsepower engine. But for today, with still 13 to 15 knots TWS I was happy being on the “First Line”.

With still quite a nice swell coming in from North-East the boat was rocking gently up and down as we put her nose in the wind and had the nicely cut laminate mainsail hauled up by the electric winch (standard with the “First Line”-boats). Effortless push button sailing. The secondary winches on this very boat had been fitted electrically powered by her owner as well, which undoubtedly is an increase in comfort, but  from my own personal point of view – a decrease of fun). Nevertheless, I give credits to Beneteau offering such a wide range of choices for their clients. No wonder that the Oceanis is now in her seventh generation and, I I can believe the French guys from the yard , Oceanis yachts are the most sailed, most numbered and thus most successful ocean cruising yachts to ever roam our oceans.

We finally had up our sails, although in the first reef. With standard furling the Oceanis 46.1 can deliver 89 square metres of upwind sail area in the standard furling/self tacking jib-version. That´s increased to 112 sq. metres if the owner chooses the classic full-battened main with the Genoa and will finally end at 120 sq. metres on the “First Line”. I am a bit disappointed that we´d have to go out in a reef so that the data I am gathering are a bit adulterated, but that´s sailing …

Speeds of the Oceanis 46.1 at all points of sail

My disappointment lasts only seconds. The moment we bear away from the wind and our main sail gathers some air, the boat instantly heels slightly, jumps to speed and is stabilized right away. Getting out the Genoa (as said, reefed) is a matter of seconds and again, the boat accelerates even further. Out two skippers from the yard push two buttons to trim the sails and off we are – upwind, sailing the new Oceanis 46.1.

She is a bliss upwind! Smooth motions, nice up and down although we are hitting the waves quite hard, there is no rocking, no bouncing off the waves: That´s because the designers managed to keep a nice V-shaped bow section and have the forward chines beginning above waterline. So her sailing abilities remain untouched, yet internal volume multiplied. I scream to my voice recorder: “Upwind … 12 knots wind speed … boat makes 7.6 to 8.3 knots over ground …” I would say, that´s quite nice – concerning we have one reef in our sails and quite some swell hitting our bow from directly ahead.

We are doing a tack. Which is a simple manoeuvre: Hard rudder to turn the bow fast and put the hull through the wind, the boom comes over nicely without any noise and the Genoa sheets change side even more easily. No problem at all. You can program the auto pilot to turn with a distinct turn-rate and perform this manoeuvre single handed with no problem. A tack lasts less than 3 seconds on the Oceanis.

God save the electric winch, says our skipper, as we perform some gybes afterwards. Hauling in the main is a pain in the ass when cranking manually. Thanks to the electric winches the main is clause hauled in a matter of seconds without any stress, the boat turns her stern through the wind slowly, Genoa changes sides and the main is slacked immediately – smooth, no noise, no hassle. Love it!

On running other points of sail the Oceanis 46.1 behaves similar impressive: Beam reach (wind has dropped to mere 9 knots true) the boat sails along with 6.2 to 7.4 knots over ground, which is okay considering the fact that we are still in the first reef. Unfortunately one of our guests aboard began to suffer from sea sickness due to the large swell so we had to abort the sea trial and head back to the marina, nevertheless, we tried some tacks and gybes down the way to get a further feel for the boat.

Even running flat before the wind I never felt this uncomfy “swinging” of the boat. Back on my Atlantic Ocean sailing-experience last year when I was delivering a 46-footer to the Canary Islands we were as well running mostly in the trade wind with waves from abaft: The boat tended to break out right when the wave was passing underneath us, kind of reversing the flow of water along the rudder blade. Not so here on the Oceanis: Even when the waves raised our stern and passed, the boat never really broke out from course and I only had to correct kindly at the wheel.

Being a helmsman on the Oceanis 46.1

Which brings us to the steering properties of an Oceanis 46.1 – and these are quite nicely done. First of all in standing position behind the wheels (on this “First Line” the white composite wheels are standard, by the way), the view is just perfect. The wheels are mounted on a massive, solid stand and the height and size of the wheels are just fitting nicely to any helmsman.

When the boat is heeling, footrests can be folded to provide an even standing position, which might be an old hat but it increases dramatically the comfort of the helmsman. I remember being on an Oceanis 48 during a regatta and we skipped having the rests folded out due to the fact that we´ve had to perform so many manoeuvres all the time – my feet began to hurt soon as standing on a tilted surface is of course unnatural.

The Oceanis 46.1 “First Line” has a tall mast so that the angle of the split backstay is very big. Meaning that when steering in sitting position you will never have to duck underneath the backstay. That´s a plus. I remember being on the Dufour 460 and damning the backstay because you just coudln´t sit there as you would everytime have the backstay interfering with your head.

The sight to the bow is even better when sitting on the coaming: The wheel well within reach. On every point of view the double rudder blades had an impressively sensitive feel. Of course, the feedback from a rudder via quadrants, chains and cables of a wheel-steering is far from being as sensitive as a tiller-steering, but I felt no squabbling whatsoever and the response of the rudder was impressively fast and well-tempered – bot on high speeds as well as going slowly astern in the marina. Nice!

Modern layout of the running rigging on the Oceanis 46.1

Let´s take a look at the lines and the running rigging of the new Oceanis 46.1 that is, blunt speaking, adapted to the “modern” sailing taking place nowadays. That means, one or two are able seaman, the rest of the crew is guests on vacation. That´s a fact with sailboats nowadays and Beneteau reacted accordingly: All lines are running back aft right in front of the helming stations: Winches and jammers are within an arm length to be reached easily by the helmsman.

That´s two sheet winches on either side, meaning that although the boat is rigged with German Mainsheet System we have enough winches to have all sheets on their own dedicated winch at all times. That´s a plus over the Oceanis 41.1 for example, where you have only two sheet winches aft forcing the skipper to change mainsheet before any manoeuvre. Not so on the 46.1, wich I quite liked.

Lines are stowed in big boxes which are mounted at the end of each seating bench (comes as an option) and are put away nicely. No hassle with lines in the cockpits anymore! I already mentioned that I personally wouldn´t go for electric sheet winches for many reasons, where their impressive pricing is just one, but I must admit, their as well add to the easiness of sailing very much. In any case, I wouldn´t consider manual cranking on a 46-footer as being too hard to perform.

My verdict on the Oceanis 46.1: A dream yacht in the 46-48 feet class

So, after roughly one hour in big swell and decreasing wind conditions, having the boat sailed in first reef, we head back to Port Ginesta pontoon and I wonder how I could describe my feelings about this boat. I must say, I am pretty impressed by the stability and comfort the boat boats! I remember having a similar swell leaving Lisbon in a similar sized boat and turning seasick immediately. I found the Beneteau rather assuring, transmitting an aura of safety.

Her gentle motion though didn´t come with the price in decreased speeds. On either point of sail we easily reached the 7-knots-barrier and exceeded 8.5 knots occasionally. I recon in full canvas the boat is capable of making 9 to 11 knots without any problem. I was particularly impressed with her manoeuvering abilities: Docking the boat in slow speeds was a no-brainer. No discussion whether double rudders are inferior to single rudders in manoeuvres anymore!

Having the boat tied up back on the pontoon I found some time to compare the latest entry of the Oceanis family to her bigger sister ships. For sure, the Oceanis 51.1 and 55.1 are far superior in any property to the 46-feet boat both in sailing and internal qualities, I could hardly find pro-arguments to go for the 50-feet-range over the Oceanis 46.1. Yes, she indeed is a bit smaller, but she offers a huge cockpit space, roughly the same area as her bigger sister ships. She has a huge owner´s cabin, a very, very nice salon and a galley even bigger than that of the old Oceanis 48!

That said, the pricing of the 46.1 is interesting too: Starting at 225.000 Euro ex VAT an owner can have a boat like this one fully equipped and fitted like this one as “First Edition” for roughly 320.000 Euros (ex VAT) and go out. Of course, fitted with all gems like generator, AC, electric winches and all that stuff the price can skyrocket for sure, but as a starting point this offer is a very, very interesting one! That said, the yard representatives tell me that the boat´s production slots are sold out till January 2020. Wow.

Exciting news at Beneteau

So I leave the Oceanis 46.1 and I am pretty impressed by the outcome. She certainly is a serious cruising boat offering lots of space. The options list is sheer endless, meaning that the boat can be customized to fit every need of every sailor-type out there: The fast performance-seeking racer, the cruising family, the charter company. The current success of all the .1-Oceanis boats is a confirmation of my own observations. And the fact that Beneteau seems to have a run right now, is even more pushed …

Upon leaving I am talking a bit on the brand´s future with Yves Mandin, manager of the Beneteau Premium Service. He is telling me that the Port Ginesta Sea Trial Base will enter regular service just this week. Meaning, that clients and people interested in acquiring a Beneteau can come here and test the boats (just like I did) anytime they wish. Which is a huge improvement and certainly something not every yard can offer in this quality.

Of course I am a bit biased since I do work for a Beneteau dealer in Germany, nevertheless, that’s why I know how hard it is to provide clients with sea trials: You just cannot have all the boats available as a dealer and thus up to know our clients had to try the boats in charter or go to other dealers (which is obviously bad for us). Now, this new base is just perfect. And I have the feeling that I will be returning here more sooner than later …

Like to read more on the Beneteau Oceanis yachts?

Complete walkthrough of the Oceanis 46.1 in Cannes

Talking about the new Oceanis hull design & chines

In the Beneteau yard in France

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 boat test – the next big thing for the world’s biggest builder?

• Toby Hodges
• March 21, 2019

Beneteau’s new stepped hull design works so well this Oceanis 46.1 could become its most popular model ever

Photos: Guido Barbagelata / Bertel Kolthof / Guido Cantini (seesea.com)

After upgrading the status of the ominous black clouds ahead from threatening-looking to really quite alarming, we turned to head back downwind… and hoisted even more sail. Boom! As gusts in the high 20s started barrelling through, this yacht really put on a show. Reaching and surfing, we were all whooping with delight, like kids with a powerful toy, especially when we clocked over 14 knots’ boat speed. Now this was what you’d call a test sail!

We were on board Beneteau’s brand new Oceanis 46.1, a design tasked with updating the company’s most popular model, sailing off Port Ginesta, Barcelona, under full main and Code 0. The designer, Pascal Conq, was with us and we had all now become intent on seeing just what this ‘fat-nosed’ new shape was capable of.

It was one of those days when it could have all gone wrong. The fact that it didn’t and that we were actually treated to an exhilarating, unforgettable sail – the type where you step ashore and can’t wipe the grin off your face – simply confirmed that the 46.1 is a quite brilliant new model from the world’s largest boatbuilder. That it looks set to become the biggest-selling cruising monohull is perhaps due to other factors, however.

Replacing a bestseller

To backtrack, the Oceanis 45 I tested in 2011, which went on to win a European Yacht of the Year award, is Beneteau’s most popular model to date. With more than 800 sold, it is arguably the most successful production cruiser of modern times. It’s no surprise then that Beneteau wanted to keep the key strengths and selling points of the 45, nor that it chose to repeat the winning design combination of Finot Conq for hull lines and Nauta Yachts for the styling and interior.

Conq explained that the design team wanted to retain the primary features of sailing performance, spacious cockpit and interior volume. This, he said, has all been placed within a new and more powerful hull shape, with a stepped or full-chined hull, with greater righting moment and the addition of twin rudders for added control.

The new 46.1 also has plenty of options, including a ‘First Line’ upgrade, which further increases performance by adding a taller mast and deeper keel.

A win-win shape

In 2017 Beneteau launched the Berret Racoupeau-designed 51.1, the first of its new seventh-generation Oceanis range to use this stepped hull, together with a much fuller bow shape. The resultant forward internal volume and particularly sharp Nauta styling helped it sell like hot cakes (more than 200 we are told).

The Oceanis 46.1 shares a similar look and the only main difference with its layout is that there is no option for a crew cabin in the forepeak. However, the chine on the 46.1 runs all the way along the hull above the boot top, unlike the forward chine on the 51.1, which tapers out below the central hull portlight.

“We go in the fat nose direction,” Conq explains. “We found an area where there are no losses, just better performance and space. Take out the volume from under the waterline and put it at the sides – that’s the key!”

Conq found there was no need to widen the waterline like the Oceanis 51.1, which seems to make for a telling difference on the water. The 46.1’s hull is less dumpy, with less wetted surface area, reveals Conq. This was very evident when I did my first sail trial of the 46.1 in Newport, Rhode Island, when the two boats squared up to each other. The 46.1 simply sailed through the 51.1 and is clearly a more slippery design.

We had glorious conditions, in early September, sailing on the sunny, historic racing waters, in a building thermal breeze of 6-12 knots. That particular 46.1 had a typical US spec, including a shallow 1.75m keel, the standard in-mast furling main, plus an optional large genoa instead of the self-tacking jib. Close-hauled, we clocked 6-6.3 knots in 7.8-8.3 knots true wind. The new bowsprit is a useful addition over the old Oceanis 45, as it encourages the easy deployment of a flying sail. Our speed rose to 8.5 knots with the Code 0 unfurled.

The only minor negative of our Newport trial was a rudder alignment issue, which made that boat want to turn to port. However, as I was to find out during my next outing, there is power in reserve on this new hull shape and no shortage of enjoyment on the helm.

Sailing the GTI model

The Oceanis 46.1 we tested from Port Ginesta in October was a performance ‘First Line’ version, with a deeper, lead bulb keel, a taller mast and a genoa, which provides 28% more sail area. Beneteau says this is an option many clients coming from its First range choose. It was during this test for the European Yacht of the Year competition that we were able to see how the 46.1 handles in wind and waves.

Punching out into a 2m swell and 15 knots true wind, both of which increased with the threatening approach of the dark clouds, the 46.1 showed a comfortable and consistent turn of speed, heading upwind at 7.5 plus knots. Perched to windward, we enjoyed a relatively comfortable motion.

“The camber allows for a less full bow than the Jeanneau,” Pascal Conq remarked, referring to Jeanneau’s latest SO440 and SO490, which have very full forward ends and full chines. He added that this helps to keep the 46.1 from slamming upwind.

We were heeling a fair bit yet there remained a very light, but guiding amount of weather helm. A bar joining the twin rudders and textile linkage to the wheels helps provide direct helm feedback.

After a good spell sailing to weather, we then experienced the exhilarating downwind ride I described earlier. In 20 knots true with Force 6-7 gusts, we were soon easily maintaining double figures. The wake separates at around 11 knots, which happened regularly with a bit of encouragement from the short wave pattern.

These waves were coming across us slightly rather than directly following, but as the apparent wind moved forward with our speed we were able to soak down enough to enjoy some memorable short surfs, clocking between 12-14.5 knots. We weren’t actively trimming either – the main was pinned against the spreaders and the Code 0 sheet was left in the self-tailer jaws – but, boy, was it a fun ride.

Although it was an impressive display of power and speed, what really struck me was how comfortable the Oceanis 46.1 felt. The twin rudders never even hinted that they might lose grip and hand us a scary, expensive or potentially embarrassing broach. This is a reassuring asset on a family cruiser.

Warm weather deck

The Oceanis 46.1 has a modern, Med-style, extra spacious cockpit set-up, extended at each end by a full-beam bathing platform and sunbeds on the flat coachroof. The helm area is similar to that of the 51.1, designed for one person to be able to sail the boat and control the winches from aft. “Clients really like winches aft and out of the cockpit,” Beneteau product manger Clément Bercault explained, reasoning that it leaves a huge cockpit area clear for the family.

The layout allows you to sail the 46.1 short-handed, but only if you are tidy and organised with running rigging. Thankfully, there is a useful locker for rope tails, with a mesh material base to allow draining. There is only just enough room to fit a winch handle between the primary and main winch each side, which may encourage people to opt for the powered winch upgrade.

The helmsman can share the raised panel on which the winches are mounted to keep a dry seat. However, it is too wide in the aft quarters to be able to wedge in there comfortably and still be able to reach the wheel.

I like the large cockpit table, which provides a sturdy foot brace when heeled and sitting on the cockpit bench. It has an integral fridge and, best of all, room enough to house an easily-accessible liferaft beneath.

There are no bench lockers, the space instead used for headroom below. So deck stowage is all in the ends, in a deep sail locker and quarter lockers. The latter will not suit larger items as they contain unprotected steering gear and electronics. The finish in these aft lockers looks poor, featuring bare plywood and liberal amounts of glue.

Where centimetres count

The layout below decks is understandably similar to the successful Oceanis 45. “We looked at where we could gain space everywhere with the new hull shape,” said Bercault as we descended the 45º companionway to escape the torrential rain.

So although the 46.1 is only 10cm longer than the 45 and has the same beam, its maximum beam is carried further forward and higher up, to increase the internal volume.

The chine gives us 0.5m more beam,” Bercault explained. That beam gained above the waterline allows for the saloon berths to be pushed out 15cm each side compared with its predecessor, which buys valuable room. However, it’s up forward where you really notice the difference. The full bow sections allowed Beneteau to take the forward cabin of the Oceanis 48 and drop it into this 46.1, which tells you something about the volume.

This owner’s cabin is astonishing for the yacht’s length, including an island double berth on which you can comfortably sleep with your head forward. The use of separate shower and heads compartments works very well, further emphasising the sense of space in the cabin. It also makes for a straightforward conversion into two ensuite cabins for the charter version.

The extra space is also felt in the saloon and galley. I like the addition of an inboard worktop section in the galley, for example, which gives more serving space and a bracing position for when working at heel.

Within the multiple layout options, including three to five cabins with two to four heads, there is also the choice of a longitudinal galley with navstation to starboard.

I like the light Nauta styling, which brings smart elements learned from the Oceanis Yachts 62, such as the bookcases built into the central bulkhead, the fabric linings and the indirect lighting. The brushed light oak veneer means no shortage of beige, but, together, with the huge hull portlights, this works well to keep the interior light and bright.

Quite why Beneteau goes to these styling lengths but won’t stretch to fitting rubber gaskets on the sole boards I fail to comprehend, however. Can you imagine walking around a prospective new house with each footstep being announced by a loud creaking? It feels like some sort of pantomime horror scene.

Stowage and tankage is moderate and in keeping with a yacht designed for coastal sailing and family holidays. By this I mean that the Oceanis 46.1 is an ideal yacht for cruising or chartering in the Med for a couple of weeks, rather than a design to suit long distance sailing or lengthy spells aboard.

It’s rare to have the opportunity to sail a new production yacht in a variety of conditions and with different options, and to be able to really push the boat. It is perhaps just as uncommon to see it perform so consistently in all conditions. While its builders will be acutely aware how important the design, styling and accommodation space is to maintain a healthy order book, the designer of the 46.1 clearly knows that the fundamental aspect of success is sound sailing qualities.

With their latest full bow designs, both Beneteau and Jeanneau have added a new dimension in volume for cruising yachts, particularly with their enormous forward cabins. The Oceanis 46.1 takes all the best bits of the excellent 45 and makes them slightly better. The overall impression is of just how much deck space and internal volume you get inside 45 (and a bit) feet.

If the finish quality matched the design this would be a very difficult boat to beat. Even so, the Oceanis 46.1 has raised the bar significantly in the highly competitive melting pot of midsize family cruisers, in terms of both looks and performance. And I wager that it will go on to be as successful, if not more so, than the 45.

Specifications

LOA: 14.60m (47ft 11in)

LWL: 13.24m (43ft 5in)

Beam (Max): 4.50m (14ft 9in)

Draught: 2.35m (7ft 9in)

Displacement (lightship): 10,597kg (23,362lb)

Ballast: 2,735kg (6,030lb)

Sail Area (100% foretriangle): 106.5m2 (1,146ft2)

Berths: 6-10

Engine: 57hp

Water: 70lt (81gal)

Fuel: 200lt (44gal)

Sail Area/displacement ratio: 22.4

Displacement/LWL ratio: 127

Price from: €225,300 (ex. VAT)

Test boat price: €344,000

Design: Finot Conq and Nauta Design

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• Sailboat Reviews

Beneteau 46

New line of ‘designer’ beneteaus emphasizes style without losing sight of performance and comfort..

Photos by Billy Black

No one builds more sailboats than Groupe Beneteau. Grown from a yard that turned out fishing boats and yachts over 100 years ago on the Vendée Coast of France, the family-run business now manufactures 17 models of sailboat. With plants on both sides of the Atlantic, ownership of Jeanneau (the other French boat making giant), plus the Lagoon catamarans, the Wauquiez semi-custom yachts, and a line of power boats, the firm operates on a grand scale.

One of the many advantages of bigness is in design. André Beneteau, a naval architect and grandson of the founder, along with his in-house partner Francois Chalain, handled design during the early years of fiberglass. Since 1979, however, the company has sought the best and the brightest of outside minds. At that time, Beneteau paid the reigning master of continental raceboats, André Mauric, to draw the first “First” racer/cruiser. In 1986, the company commissioned Philippe Briand to inaugurate its line of performance cruisers called “Oceanis.” German Frers, Marc Lombard, and Groupe Finot have all authored one or more Beneteaus. And the Bruce Farr office, winningest of modern design teams, is responsible for a half-dozen new models. Just as central, however, is the company’s partnership with Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau.

Claimants to four World Championships, Admiral’s Cup and Mini-Transat successes, and coming from deep Open 60 experience, Berret and Racoupeau know a lot about performance. Designers of monohulls, megayachts, and luxury catamarans, they know a good bit about style. Nine of the 14 cruising boats introduced by Beneteau in the past five years have come from them.

Almost exactly 20 years ago, Beneteau involved Berret in a pioneering design exercise. The builder matched the naval architect with interior designer Philippe Starck. Called “the new Courboisier” and”l’enfant terrible of modern design,” Starck was all the rage. From nightclubs and hotels to pasta, cutlery, and crockery, his shapes were à la mode. Starck turned the new First 35s5 into a “designer sailboat.” The boats even sported patches on their transoms “…like designer jeans.” More than just different, they were popular, and cemented the company’s position as a leader in style.At the 2006 Paris boat show, Beneteau debuted a four-boat line intended to capitalize further on its “design advantage.” Light and space were emphasized, ease of handling and intimacy with the elements were watchwords. The 40, 43, 46, and 49 (all Berret-Racoupeau designs) form the “fifth generation” of this full-cruising line. By combining Berret’s naval architecture with interiors designed by Nauta Yachts of Milan, Beneteau hopes to not only update its large-cruiser line, but to make it more exciting, distinctive, and attractive.

Best-known for work in mega-yachts, Nauta is a relative newcomer to the production boat marketplace. We were curious to assess the results of this new marriage.

The 46 (like its near-sisters) looks too racy to be a cruising boat. Its house is long, low, and streamlined. The coachroof starts in mid-foredeck, rises minimally to encompass the big windows, and descends again to blend with the coamings. On one hand, the impression is all flow and unity—not “flush-decked,” but visually integrated. On the other hand, accents like the wooden toerails and eyebrowed handholds pick out its slightly curved sheer and lower its visual height. The 46’s slit-like hull ports make its hull look longer and lower. Its oversized windows help flatten the profile. Stem and stern angles strike a distinctive balance, crisp yet traditional. While we wouldn’t go quite as far as Wayne Burdick, president of Beneteau USA, who pronounced the boat “floating art,” we have to agree that it is unique and attractive.

With more favorable performance ratios than the Beneteau 473, the 46 also goes beyond previous generations in terms of sailing potential. Furthering “comfort at sea” begins with stability. Its lowered center of gravity and elevated freeboard give it more initial stability than previous designs and its mega-beam and firm bilges give it the power to carry sail well up the wind range.

The Beneteau 46 has limit of positive stability of 120 degrees (the minimum used for past Newport-Bermuda Races). Subjected to a capsize screening formula, the 46 squeaks by with 1.95 when a score of over 2 is cause for concern. Practical experience (like the Fastnet storm of 1979 and the Queen’s Birthday blow in 1994) confirms that the boats with the best numbers don’t always perform the best.

We also acknowledge that by the stability (STIX) formula used by the International Standards Organization (or ISO, the EU’s standards maker), the Beneteau 46 STIX score of 40 is more than suitable for “Category A, oceanic cruising.” It may be curmudgeonish to cling to the belief that deadrise and displacement are your friends in ultimate conditions; that the area beneath the negative stability curve should be much smaller than the positive (so the boat won’t remain upside-down), and that despite the imprecision of stability numbers, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Despite their proven record for crossing oceans, beamy, lightly ballasted boats (and Beneteau is not alone, here) is not our first choice for taming the North Atlantic.

With this new generation, Berret and Racoupeau refine an archetype introduced earlier with boats like the 473. Reflecting a trend illustrated best in Open 60 development, the boats have fine entries, muscular midsections, and a beam taken wider and further aft than boats before. This “wedge” provides an abundance of form stability (allowing for a reduction in the dead weight of ballast, plus a purported roll-damping that smooths out downwind sailing) as well permits roomier cabins and cockpits.

It took a while for the Open 60’s upwind performance to catch up with its downwind prowess; the same is true with Beneteaus. By keeping the 46’s waterplane relatively balanced when it heels, however, designers have made it easy to drive. Swept-up buttocks lines help minimize drag from its hefty hindquarters in light air. In a breeze, its long waterline and above-average prismatic coefficient help to minimize wave-making and add to its potential top end. Given the designers’ history in Open 60s dating back to Isabelle Autissier’s New York-San Francisco record run in 1994, it’s not surprising that they have rendered these beamy boats surprisingly nimble.

Efficient foils are a part of that. Beneteau keels are cast iron. Most builders use lead, which is much denser, to reduce the size of what hangs below the hull. The 46 uses only a third of its displacement in ballast, however. With an “anvil end” plan (iron bulbs don’t get enough of the weight low enough), its standard keel (5 feet, 7 inches) provides good righting moment, its generous lateral plane aids tracking, and its medium-aspect, moderately swept-back fin contributes potent lift. Large, deep, and elliptical, the rudder is up to its task.

Sailhandling systems have evolved to make modern boats significantly easier to sail. One good example is in-mast mainsail furling which Beneteau offers at no extra charge on the 46 (and its other Beneteaus). Vertical battens (which promote improved shape and close-to-maximum area) plus better-engineered mechanisms have prompted eight out of every 10 buyers (over 300 Beneteau 46s have been sold) to choose this convenience. Also, smaller foretriangles (a J reduced from the 473’s 18 feet, 3 inches to 16 feet, 6 inches), plus jibs reduced from 150 percent overlap to 135 make for headsails that are much easier to tack and trim. We applaud the pre-engineered anchor in the foredeck made to accept a detachable forestay. Thus, a boat like this can hoist a hanked-on storm jib in heavy winds and waves and vastly improve its sea-worthiness.

Not only is the boat’s twin-wheeled cockpit big, its detail and design show that the builder has been paying attention to cruising customers. All of the essentials (vented propane locker, cubby to accept a six-man life raft, convenient emergency tiller system, well-placed cupholders, quadraphonic speakers, etc.) plus well-sited winches and accessible sail controls are there. Touches like the patented helming seat that pivots up and out of the way for centerline boarding plus the socket in the table meant to accept a cockpit light are thoughtful.

A drop-leaf table divides the cockpit well into comfortable seating sections; high, curved coamings foster a secure feel. Between the cockpit well and the companionway is a broad bridgedeck that offers protection and security for going below plus a great platform for handling sail controls.

The 46’s waist-deep anchor locker (with windlass) is representative of the emphasis given to cruising realities. So, too, are its double, offset bow roller; well-designed stainless cleats (bow, quarter, and mid-deck); three cockpit lockers, convenient (teak-clad) swim platform; and hot and cold outdoor shower. Nonskid surfaces are done in the “semi-aggressive” diamond-point pattern that the company has been using for almost 30 years.

Accommodation

Nauta Yachts advertises its ability to “turn your vision into a yacht of remarkable and unmistakable character.” With the Beneteau 46, chief designers Massimo Gino and Mario Pedol have delivered on that promise. The boat is true to the original “vision” of comfort at sea that fueled the growth and acceptance of the Beneteau line, and it is also an exciting step forward in cruising style.

From the outset, “light” has been a Beneteau strength. With the 46, luminosity continues to be a priority. It has skylights and hatches overhead, and wherever you might be in its saloon, there are windows to let you see out.

Step down from the saloon and you enter one of two (or three, depending upon layout choice) remarkable cabins. Headroom, elbow room, and creature comfort are there in good measure. Heads, galley, and nav station are “serious” and spacious. Offering the feel of a raised saloon or pilothouse with the function of a full-bore cruiser in a boat that has the silhouette of a racer is quite a feat, and one that genuinely broadens the definition of “comfort at sea.”

Since its founding in 1985, Nauta has created “soberly elegant” designs by “reconciling opposites rather than compromising.” In the Beneteau 46, they combined “modern” components like the low, squared-off saloon furniture with “traditional” touches like a wood and white décor and forms (like the chainplates and cleat-style handrails) that are functional. Fiddles sculpted to double as handholds, a centerline sink, workable galley, and opening ports incorporated in the oversized house windows exemplify the attention to practicality as well as style. Furniture, cabinetry, and locker fronts are all done in moabi, the distinctive reddish straight-grained African hardwood.

No one likes it when someone floods the head compartment when they shower. Nauta’s cure in both heads is a semi-circular, blue plexiglass shower door.

Latches and handles weren’t precise and secure enough to merit high marks. Laminated floorboards should be sealed along their edges, and we decry the absence of drawers in the sleeping areas.

Performance

Thanks to the succession of sport-fishing boats that roared by us as we exited Government Cut after the Miami Strictly Sail show in February, we got a chance to see how the boat behaves in big waves. Under power, the flat sections forward of its keel tended to land with a thud. When we sailed through the big wakes, heeling a bit in the 10-knot breeze, however, it sliced more gently. When we finally found a patch of ocean to ourselves, the 46 acquitted itself well by settling down close-hauled at about half the true wind speed.

Though it is relatively light for its size and carries a good-sized rig, we wouldn’t call it “sensitive.” Creating its own breeze, the 46 we tested powered through puffs and lulls without great variation on the knotmeter. Its helm remained light, and it tacked through 90 degrees with minimal fuss. She has a balanced rudder set well aft, and you could tell. Steering was precise and easy under both sail and power. Tracking was excellent.

Owners who have sailed in heavier air than we did advise “reef early, and her helm will stay well-balanced.” Control is not a problem, they report, even in power-reaching conditions. “The rudder is big, deep, and virtually stall-proof.” Its overall volume makes the 46 “big” by just about any standards, but its designers have succeeded, we believe, in making it a capable and rewarding cruising boat to sail.

Theoretical hullspeed for the 46 is over 8 knots. We were able to better that on the speedo without pushing our Yanmar 76-horsepower diesel much over 2500 revs. Thanks to integrally molded engine beds and a serious effort at oundproofing, noise and vibration were more than acceptable. Engine access from the after cabin was adequate, but removing the port side panel was finicky and difficult. Owners are advised to have the engine’s alignment checked yearly as part of routine maintenance.

Builders need to give sailors reasons to buy a new boat, or else companies will sink beneath the sea of used boats on the market. No one plays that game better than Beneteau. Not many builders can come to market with advances in accommodation, performance, and style season after season. The “secret” of the company’s success is how it leverages its size and position.

First, they remain affordable. Iron vs. lead in keels, deck-stepped spars, grid-reinforced engineering that has changed little over the past two decades, vinylester resin in the face of epoxy. Couple that with global contracts, hour-efficient techniques, and superior relationships with their vendors. Tooling that is amortized over 300 units becomes very cost-effective. And, says Burdick, “there is a great deal of commonality in this new (four-boat) generation of Oceanis—hatches, hardware, fittings, etc…” Beneteau can afford to price its boats competitively.

But they are more than monolithic. Over the years, they have consistently shown a commitment to innovation. Maximizing the impact of design, both by ranging far and wide among bidders and by creating fruitful teams, Beneteau has shown the sort of leadership that energizes sailboat development. The Beneteau 46 proves the point; along with the others in its line, it has broken new stylistic ground, set new performance standards, and improved accommodations. “The aft cabin on the 46 doesn’t ruin the boat’s profile,” says one owner, “yet it’s big enough to live in.” We had no idea what to expect when Beneteau invited a group of megayacht stylists aboard, but we wound up liking the result.

• Interior Notes: Beneteau 46
• Beneteau 46 Construction Details

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

We are looking at buying a yacht to live on and cruise the Med. I have read your article on the Beneteau Oceanis 46 Family. WE are looking at a number of used boats ranging from a Jeannneau 449, 2017 to Benetuau Oceanis 46 Family, 2009. There is quite a difference in the price of these boats, however I am leaning towards the Oceanis. Is this a good move or do you think the Oceanis is too old? Thanks Roger

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Océanis 46.1 Performance

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 16th March 2020

Océanis 46.1's main features

• 2019: European Yacht of the Year: Family Cruiser

Océanis 46.1's main dimensions

Océanis 46.1's rig and sails, océanis 46.1's performances, océanis 46.1's auxiliary engine, océanis 46.1's accommodations and layout, océanis 46.1's saloon, océanis 46.1's fore cabin, océanis 46.1's aft cabin.

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The Oceanis cruising yacht will tempt you to surf the seas, driven by the wind and your wanderlust, with the promise of simple comfortable sailing at all times. These stylish cruisers have clean lines and a flared hull, and they have become the gold standard of cruising. They are balanced and spacious , and they have been designed so that each passenger enjoys their time aboard and to make trips to sea about sharing fun in good company.

• Comfortable
• Configurations

Did you know?

Navigation programmes, sailing made easy with beneteau's expertise.

Climb aboard, put to sea immediately and enjoy every minute to the full...

A dream that the Oceanis cruiser makes possible for any sailor thanks to easy handling and a standard designed for easy sailing. With just two winches and a self-tacking jib at the bow, tacking is like child's play. Fitted with two rudders, the Oceanis cruising yachts are extremely safe giving you confidence and allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of sailing.

Remarkably Comfortable

The Oceanis cruisers range from 30 to 51 feet long, and they all focus on comfort – sailing comfort, comfort at harbour or at anchor, comfort for the whole crew. With their impressive cockpit and generous spaces inside, they have been designed to accommodate family and friends in the best possible conditions. On deck, the relaxation areas are simply ideal for making the most of the sun and the sea air, while the crew can move around the boat unhindered.  The hull and overall design of the Oceanis is extremely well balanced and all the boats in the line have great seakeeping, which contributes to the overall feeling of comfort aboard. 

Numerous Configurations

The Oceanis comes in many different layouts , so that everyone can enjoy sailing the way they want to.  Layout plans tailored to each model provide the ideal configuration to enjoy the sea with family and friends . Versatility is also the name of the game on deck, with varying equipment and sail plans, including Performance versions offering greater actions – chosen in keeping with your sailing programme.  

The flared hull increases the space inside the boat, with no performance drawbacks under sail. These three features of balance, performance, and space make the Oceanis the ideal cruising yacht.

The Oceanis cruisers are a great source of inspiration for your navigation programme.

The epitome of cruising, the Oceanis sailing yacht is the perfect place to be for anyone who loves happy times at sea with family or friends.  Since the Oceanis is easy to handle and well-balanced to helm, you can explore the coast or enjoy cruising the ocean to far-off destinations. The structure and layout of the whole line is inherently comfortable, so you can breezily and effortlessly clock up the miles at sea. And at anchor, the large aft platform makes going for a swim effortless.

All Oceanis news

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BENETEAU has decided to follow the path of innovation to reduce the environmental impact of sailing. Practical yet ground-breaking innovations that were visible on the First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e sailing yachts world premiered at the Nautic Boat Show in Paris.

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More than 120 participants gathered in the port of Valletta in Malta, from 18 to 19 November, for a friendly meeting to indulge in the joys of sailing.

Models of the range

Length Overall

9.53 m / 31’3’’

Beam overall

2.99 m / 9’10’’

10.77 m / 35’4’’

3.57 m / 11’9’’

11.93 m / 39’2’’

3.92 m / 12’10’’

12.87 m / 42’3’’

4.18 m / 13’9’’

14.6 m / 47’11’’

4.5 m / 14’9’’

15.94 m / 52’4’’

4.8 m / 15’9’’

Former Oceanis

"The basis for reflection on a Cruiser would be the Idylle [...].  François Chalain would choose Philippe Briand 3 and, in a few months, they would create the Oceanis 350 and then the 430. The wager paid off, and success was instant. The production lines would fill up again."

Annette Roux - 130 years of commitment to the sea

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• Sailboat Guide

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 is a 47 ′ 10 ″ / 14.6 m monohull sailboat designed by Pascal Conq and built by Beneteau starting in 2017.

• 2 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 3 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 4 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 5 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 6 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 7 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 8 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 9 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 10 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 11 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View
• 12 / 12 Sint Maarten 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 $195,000 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Hull length: 13.65m / 44.78ft Furling mast is standard. Classic mast: P = 16.82m / 55.18 ft Shallow draft: 1.75m / 5.74 ft, ballast: 3061 kg / 6748.35 lbs. 80 HP optional engine Also available with Performance option… Draft: 2.65m / 8.69 ft, ballast: 2576 kg / 5679 lbs SA Main: 58 sqm / 624 sqft, Genoa: 62 sqm / 667 sqft I = 18.33m / 60.14ft J = 6.3m / 20.67ft P = 17.82m / 58.46ft E = 5.5m / 18.04ft

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• Beneteau Oceanis 46

'Sirius' , a Beneteau Oceanis 46 Family Version for Sale

I am selling my  2009 Beneteau Oceanis 46  'Sirius' , the sailboat that changed my life. She's the 4-cabin Family version and is currently located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

'Sirius' is turnkey ready to go anywhere you like. She's in a great location, from where you can head north to the Sea of Cortez, or south and go to the Caribbean via Panama Canal, or even do a long jump to French Polynesia and beyond. I'm also happy to discuss delivery with her new owner. We have tried to keep her as well maintained as possible, adding upgrades as we go along.

Beneteau Oceanis 46 Specification:

Underwater Configuration:  Bulb fin keel with spade rudder

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  46'0"

Waterline Length:  40'0" 

Beam:  14'0"

Draft:  6'9" 

Rig Type:  Fractional sloop

Displacement:  23,292lb

Designer:   Berret Racoupeau Design

Builder:  Beneteau (France)

Year First Built:  2007

• Bimini, new 2019;
• Cockpit cushions;
• Outboard Motor arm, new 2021;
• Electric Windlass, rewound 2020;
• Swimming Ladder;
• Cockpit Shower.

The salon sports a new teak table and has the navigation station situated at the forward end.

The Linear Galley is on the port side of the salon, and is provided with:

• Gas oven with 2 burners;
• Gas detector 2021;
• 2x 5kg bottles;
• Double sink;
• Seawater foot pump;
• 150L fridge 2021 Isotherm 12v;
• 35L Dometic fridge/freezer 12v.

Sleeping Berths

There is a double berth in each of the two aft cabins, plus a further double berth in the forepeak. There are two single berths in a separate cabin, the lower of which is currently used for storage.

Head & Shower

• Master cabin has ensuite facilities;
• 2 heads with manual Jacob flush toilets.

Sails & Rigging

• Fully battened slab reefing mainsail with 4 reef points (2018);
• 120% genoa, new 2019;
• Lazy jacks;
• New rigging 2018.

Engine: Yanmar 4JH4TE 75hp

• 3,000hrs approximately;
• 3 blade Flexofold propellor (2018);
• Shaft drive;
• Compression test in 2020 was good;
• New lift pump 2020;
• Spare oil/fuel filters;
• Spare alternator;
• Spare starter motor;
• New Lasdrop shaft seal 2020.

Electronics

• Airmar DST800 sounder;
• Raymarine wind instruments, 2018
• Axiom plotter with separate scroll controller and spare still in box, 2021;
• Evo1 autopilot with hydraulic ram, 2019;
• Separate unit new in box mechanical drive;
• Plastimo compass;
• Raymarine 50 VHF, 2018;
• New VHF antenna cable 2020;
• AIS 650B 2018;
• Raymarine Quantum Radar 2018;
• I70 MFD 2021;
• Spare antenna splitter for AIS;
• Entire system inter-connected via Seatalk.
• Honda 1kw portable generator;
• 4x solar panels - 2x 280watt Jasolar, 1x Xantrex 100watt 1x Victron 140watt;
• 4 Victron blue solar MPPT controllers;
• Hydro generator 600watt 2021;
• Pure sine wave inverter 1200watts;
• Dolphin 40amp chargers 2x;
• Spectra desalinator watermaker 30LPH new 2021 with spare housing for 20LPH;
• Electric bilge pump;
• Victron BMV702 with Bluetooth connectivity;
• Hot water 50L;
• New starter and house batteries (690ah) September 2023 ;
• Deawoo 3kg washing machine;
• Victron isolation transformer 3kv.
• 3.10m Gemini rib;
• 15hp Tohatsu 4stroke;
• 5hp Yamaha endurance 2-stroke;
• Mcmurdo EPIRB 2025 battery date;
• Liferaft Viking 6-man, service end 29/11/2022;
• Sea drogues and sea anchors;
• 100m of 14mm polyprop floating rope on a reel at stern;
• Autopilot quadrant new 2018.

'Sirius' comes loaded with tools and many spares

Asking Price and Contacting the Owner

Contact the Owner Here...

What is the Beneteau Oceanis 46 sailboat like to sail?

Based on Published Design Ratios for the Beneteau Oceanis 46:

• Her Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.3 suggests that she will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the performance expectations of most cruising sailors.
• Her Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 27.6 would usually mean that she would have a tendency to heel uncomfortably in a gust, and need to be reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze. However, as she has much of her ballast concentrated in a bulb at the foot of her keel, she's likely to be considerably stiffer than her published Ballast/Displacement Ratio might suggest.
• Her Displacement/Length Ratio of 162 tells us she is a light displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer to a degree.
• Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 25.5 suggests that crew comfort in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability.

More about Design Ratios...

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Quick Look: Beneteau 46

• By Andrew Burton
• Updated: January 20, 2007

From the moment you climb aboard the Beneteau 46, you notice innovations that make operating the boat easier. Standing on the transom swim platform, you’ll see an insert with a locking hatch sized for a six-man life raft. Remove the insert to install a small generator under the cockpit sole. Twin wheels flank a seat that folds out of the way when boarding. The long cockpit overlooks a cambered, raised deckhouse. Water that makes it past the dodger will be channeled to the deck from the wide dashboard.

Below, the saloon is broad and airy. It lacks storage space for a long cruise, but it’s still very comfortable. Window blinds disappear inside a lightweight deck liner, but I’m concerned that the cook will mistakenly grab the liner for a handhold in a seaway. The galley is well laid out with a centerline sink and an aft-opening refrigerator that’s usable on either tack. The freezer is outboard and accessed through a well-insulated lid. In the forward cabin are a teardrop-shaped double berth and a head with a clever separate shower stall.

In the two-cabin layout, the aft cabin has a huge double berth angled 45 degrees from the aft bulkhead. A vanity with a seat is opposite, and six opening ports and hatches provide great light and ventilation. Because of a scheduling problem, I didn’t sail the boat, but I’d surmise that its modern underbody and powerful sail plan would make it a brisk performer, as is its near sister, the Beneteau 49, a BOTY winner. Comfort below and winning styling combined with an attractive price should make it a brisk seller, too.

Beneteau 46 Specs

LOA: 46′ 3″ LWL: 40′ 8″ Beam: 14′ 1″ Draft (standard): 5′ 7″ Sail Area: 879 sq. ft. Displacement: 22,046 lb. Water: 150 gal. Fuel: 63 gal. Engine: 54-hp. Yanmar Designer: Berret Racoupeau Price: $240,000 Beneteau USA, (843) 629-5300

To read more Cruising World reviews of Beneteau sailboats, click here . To visit Beneteau America’s website, click here .

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