"JimC" wrote in message
. com...



Then is the Benateau considered more in the "light but fast" category? I
sailed offshore on a 39-ft B a few months ago in 30 - 35 kt winds, with
breaking waves. My impression was that it was somewhat difficult to
keep the boat on course (yawed back and forth as it went over the
waves). - However, it did routinely cruise at 7 knots when the winds
were slower.



There are two main types of Beneteau. The more common version is the
"Oceanis", which is a fairly light cruiser with reasonable performance. The
other is the "First", which is lighter and faster. The "First" boats have
flatter bottoms and very deep rudders. Some of the "First" models have
quite spartan interiors. The "Oceanis" models have smaller cockpits,
rounded bottoms, larger interior accomodation and shorter rudders.

My boat is a First 33.7. It often does 8Kts. It once did 15Kts down a big
wave under spinnaker. I don't find it difficult to keep the boat on course,
but this is a subjective view.


Regards


Donal
--