Bluewater Sailboat Beneteau Oceanis 46 was the second-largest model in the Océanis lineup when it was introduced in 1997.
The French manufacturer chose Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island, hosting two days of press and dealer sea trials just before the start of the Newport International Boat Show in order to introduce the Beneteau 46.1, the newest model in the storied Oceanis line, as well as a few other new sailboats to North America. This presentation wasn’t your typical dog-and-pony show. Imagine instead the Kentucky Derby and the Westminster Dog Show. And it goes without saying that the 46-foot Pascal Conq design was decked out to the nines for her premiere.
Traditional sailboat builders used to entice buyers with demo boats and extensive lists of factory-installed or aftermarket choices, but these days, new models come loaded with extras to make a statement. A comprehensive set of B&G instrumentation, electric Harken winches, a sporty bowsprit/anchor roller for the furling code zero, an in-mast furling mainsail, and Nordac cruising sails from North were among the numerous changes made to the 46.1.
Armel Briand is credited with the design of the new Oceanis 461 by Beneteau and Bruce Farr. With a D/L of 157 and a beamy structure that carries beam to the transom, the boat is anticipated to be a fine sailor thanks to the Farr design office’s influence on the hull’s form. With a 5-foot, 9-inch draught and a low aspect-ratio fin for adequate upwind speed, the rudder and keel are short. The rig has a strong SA/D of 17.41. There are three different interior configuration options available for the 461: two-, three-, and four-cabin layouts. It is preferable to have a galley nestled behind two cabins.
The cockpit should be both spacious and useful. the roomy sundecks on either side of the companionway, as well as the sturdy stainless-steel rods between the arch and cabin roof that served as excellent handholds when descending below. The ever-safety-conscious BOTY judge Alvah Simon was drawn to the centerline drop-leaf table’s arrangement, which includes a refrigerator compartment forward and storage for life rafts aft and under. a low point in the cockpit, where you could remove it and toss it overboard using the transom.
Although the judges expressed concern about the midship cleats being located far to the rear, they all agreed that elevated bulwarks would provide better footing when the boat is heeled. The wide side decks are simple to manoeuvre. The bluewater sailboat is mostly enjoyable to sail, and that is the main goal.
The extra space is most noticeable in the forward owner’s cabin, where there is space for two sets of shelves near the in-hull ports and room to stand at the foot of the island queen berth on either side of the bed. There are two hanging lockers in the cabin as well as two separate shower and head spaces, one to each port and starboard.
The bluewater yacht features a three-cabin, two-head configuration that would be quite practical for a couple who occasionally sails with guests or relatives on board. At the foot of the companionway, to port, was a spacious and well-equipped L-shaped galley, and across from it was the second head with an associated stall shower.
A huge dining table with U-shaped seats was in the front to starboard, and a couch was on the other side. The Nauta interior design team opted to do away with the conventional nav station as a reference to how many people navigate these days. Instead, there was a small workstation with a flat-screen television mounted above it, right in front of the couch, up against the bulkhead.
There is also a three-cabin, three-head version of the 46.1 available for individuals who entertain guests more frequently. In this form, the Sailboats Galley is moved farther forward into the saloon and takes the place of the couch to port. Meanwhile, charter owners might choose to have five cabins and three bathrooms by dividing the forward cabin into two en suite doubles.
The starboard head aft is replaced in this form by twin bunks. There are also several possibilities on top. First, think about the rig A 66-foot-8-inch aluminum mast is the standard. There is a 63-foot-6-inch stick that is suitable for the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as a performance spar that is 3 feet taller and made of aluminum or carbon fibre.
The Beneteau Oceanis 461 boasts a spacious and comfortable open-air galley, ideal for cooking and entertaining. During a test sail, she tacked upwind at 7.6 knots in a 10-knot breeze with the 107 percent genoa spread out, reaching a constant 9 knots. The dual rudders respond smoothly, providing a comfortable sailing experience.
The mast options include a 66-foot-8-inch aluminum standard, a 63-foot-6-inch stick suitable for the Intracoastal Waterway, and a performance spar in aluminum or carbon fiber that is 3 feet taller. The keel options include a shoal keel (5 feet, 9 inches), deep keel (7 feet, 9 inches), both made of cast iron, or a performance foil made of cast iron and lead (8-foot-8-inch draft).
Other customization options include a self-tacking jib or 107 percent genoa, additional water or fuel tankage, a 57 hp (standard) or 80 hp Yanmar diesel engine, and a cockpit arch. The interior also features various finish options and equipment packages to choose from, offering a range of possibilities.
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