Sneak preview: June CY: Beneteau 34.1
May 26, 2022
Twin rudders are a great help on a boat with a nearly 12-foot beam.
The Oceanis 34.1 replaces the 35.1. She’s the seventh new model in the Oceanis “.1” line and is designed Marc Lombard; the design (exterior and interior) was done by Nauta Design. She’s built in Poland and features multiple improvements over her predecessor. Beneteau’s Eric LeVine calls attention to the hard chine that helps with stability. The new model has grown more svelte. She’s two- and three-quarter inches narrower on either side and 1,000 pounds lighter overall and both of these changes lead to better performance in light air. This nimbler hull has also been upgraded with additional sail area (up to 29% more) to ensure a good turn of speed when the wind turns fickle.
Underwater profile
Below the waterline, you’ll find twin rudders and three keel options: shoal (4’ 11”), deep-draft (6’ 7”) and a hydraulically lifting keel (4’ 1” – 8’ 4” with no bulb). That last one will deliver the best performance when sailing upwind and will still let you anchor in shallow coves.
Light breezes weren’t what we encountered when we sailed hull #3 in Miami where the wind was kicking at 15-20 knots and the seas were serving up spicy three-foot waves.
In preparation, we reefed the furling genoa but opted for a full hoist of the Technique Voile mainsail. In 19 knots true wind speed, we sailed at 7.6 knots over the ground (SOG). That increased to 8.0 knots at 60 degrees apparent wind angle and reached even higher to 8.3 knots as we fell off to a beam reach. Even at a deep 135 degrees, we held onto 7.2 knots and that was with five people aboard. We stayed on our feet thanks to that hard chine and we never felt overpowered.
Onboard living
Accommodations are ample and deceptive. You don’t feel like you’re on a 35-footer when standing in the saloon. An L-shaped galley is to starboard with a two-burner stove and a top-loading fridge. A microwave and a 2000-watt inverter are optional. It’s a small space but a good chef will lack for nothing.
Dinner for four is no problem and with one leaf down, it’s easy to make your way forward.
The Oceanis 34.1 ticks all the boxes and deserves to be on the shortlist for families, first-time owners, or salty couples because there’s little you can’t do with this 35-footer versus any bigger design. The enjoyment will be about the same but the impact on the wallet will be much less and that’s saying something in today’s inflationary times.
You can enjoy the complete review of this important new boat along with more reviews, destinations and current boating information in the June issue of Canadian Yachting magazine. Don’t miss it.
