Océanis Revisited
Beneteau took a good look at the basics when designing the new Oceanis 37. The result is a sociable, solid performing cruising yacht, says Andi Robertson SOMETIMES it is necessary to re-examine a concept, or part of a concept to make a step change in the right direction. The Beneteau team behind the Océanis range did just that for the new 37 and 31 which we sailed in light winds at the Beneteau media product launch which took place in February in Monaco. While sometimes subtle refinements and a few clever ideas are enough to move forward with a new model within a range of cruising yachts, with the Océanis 37 it was a back to basics look at the working areas of the boat. It is this that sets the new Finot Conq design apart from its rivals. Interior comforts are a given, but it was the cockpit area which the Beneteau revisited from the basics. They took the desire to maximise safe seating space in the cockpit as perhaps the key element of the boat’s designed layout and ergonomics. If the boat can comfortably sleep eight or nine, why should half that crew complement be sent to the sidedecks on passage. Sailing is a sociable sport, particularly as such boats become ever more user friendly and easy to sail, so we should all be able to convene in the cockpit to share the experience together in comfort and safety. The new Océanis 37, like her latest stablemates, has a lovely, simple interior by Italy’s Nauta Design, but it was the layout and the efficient performance of the hull by Groupe Finot which sets her apart, leading something of a new concept in fast cruisers. There are two immediately striking aspects to the new Océanis 37, which was only launched at the autumn round of European boat shows: the modern hull lines which in many respects echo aspects of the powerful Open class style boats for which Finot Conq are so well known, but still offering modern, sympathetic lines and a subtle coach roof and deck-line. From the stern quarters it is not hard to see the Class 40 style lines with maximum beam carried well aft, forming a broad powerful stern. As well as being the ultimate family cruiser this is a boat which is well set up for short handed, easy sailing with a good, big overlapping genoa set on a roller furler and, on our test boat, a simple stacking style mainsail. So as well as being a boat the whole family can cruise extensively together, there is the capacity to easily sail it for miles short handed on ‘deliveries’, when the whole team is not available, returning to base short handed or heading to a more exotic location short handed. The other immediately obvious feature is the wide, large flat cockpit space which surrounds the small, clever teak topped table and the Goiot pedestal. This is particularly noticeable behind the helm’s area and where the stern sections taper slightly. Of course this added area is great at sea, but also at rest when the boat is moored up in the sun, there is scope for most of the crew to lie around in the cockpit and enjoy the weather, before an evening in the cockpit enjoying sun-downers and dinner! One other interesting feature on the new 37 is that the engine unit is slightly offset to one side, a matter of a few cms. This after extensive testing, does not affect the performance of the boat to any noticeable extent, but it does improve the ‘circulation’ of human traffic below decks. The slight offset also allows the propshaft to be removed without removing the rudder blade. To be honest you will only really notice it when it is pointed out and when you stand inside and line up the centre of the companionway steps with the wheel pedestal. The cockpit table is excellent as is the wheel and pedestal, but it is the flip up liferaft locker on the port quarter which is a really clever innovation. Supported on a gas strut, literally the whole back quarter of the stern lifts to cockpit floor level to house the liferaft. There are three big other lockers. On the opposite side is a sail locker, which looked a little tight to keep a dinghy in, even well deflated. The mainsheet track is short and in front of the companionway, with all controls led to the main stopper bank on the aft edge of the coachroof. One other new innovation we really liked is the companionway hatch system which is clever and can be operated with child like simplicity. There is a single plexiglass washboard which runs on contained rollers under the hatch roof. It lifts and slides away under the ‘roof’ so there is no more stowing and looking for the washboards. The one slight downside is that it is therefore either open or closed… And at the aft end there is a lift up transom seat which is supported on a small hydraulic strut. There is also a good access step off the stern, a decent lip to the scoop and an offset bathing ladder and a shower head unit. The rig is a standard 9/10ths alloy mast and boom with twin spreaders while the shallow T shaped iron bulbed keel draws 1.4m. There is also a deep draft option which draws 1.9m. Unless you plan shoal waters cruising we’d plump for the deeper option every time. The hull is manufactured in a single GRP skin with a structural inner liner, the deck is injection moulded balsa sandwich construction. There is a full depth, full length wood toe rail. Sadly we only had a light breeze to sail the Océanis 37. But there was enough to learn that this is an easily driven and easily handled performer. In a light sea breeze the new 37 answered the smallest puffs and was quick enough to build control and steerage. There is certainly a feeling that if the boat is easily controlled at slow speeds, answering the small helm movements, then when it is breezy there will be ample rudder area and form stability to keep her on her feet. A consensus quickly develops when with a posse of like minded media testers on board we were pleasantly surprised by how well the Océanis 37 sails. Upwind it certainly liked to crack a few degrees off the breeze to let the big genoa breathe, but while we would never describe her as quick, there was a steady efficiency and a finger tip balance that made you want to sail the boat and keep your attention with the light puffs and lulls, rather than simply losing interest. The day’s enjoyment on the new 37 was completed with the 90sq.m asymmetric gennaker. It really pushed the boat along quite pleasantly requiring minimum attention and would take the breeze forward of the beam with ease. Under the circumstances it was a perfect scenario, gently drawing a clean wake across the flat Mediterranean Sea on a warm February day. We could induce the merest hint of a heel, but there was plenty of forward motive power while expending the use only of the helm’s fingers and the occasional turn of the Harken 44.2 ST primary winches. I am not sure why you might prefer a symmetrical kite over this asymmetric, certainly the option of both would be ideal for those who will want to cruise extensively. What I liked at the helm is the idea of being able to have plenty of safe space behind the wheel. On a long downwind run how nice is it to have your partner or your kids beside you in the ‘executive box’ rather than cut off by the wheel. And the wheel pedestal has plenty of space for one large multifunction nav output panel. Down below the Océanis is excellent in every living department. With no fewer than 14 windows or ports of all shapes and sizes there is a lovely light, airy feel. There are two layout options, one with a pair of symmetrical double aft cabins, and one with one single athwart-ships owner’s aft cabin. But so too, the big, spacious forecabin is fantastic with lots of headroom and a small vanity unit or desk. The new boats have deep, well protected overhead windows in the roof which afford lots of light. The one feature which really stuck out as a personal dislike, and it’s personal, is the aft facing nav station’s big head height locker which is meant to house the microwave. To me this looks like an add on, a late incongruous addition to the interior, but that is a purely personal feeling. That said the nav station has ample space, and is part of the saloon, which we like. The galley too, is great with a big, forward opening fridge unit and big twin stainless sinks. There are two large cupboards and four closed shelved systems. While we like the effect of wood closures to shelf fronts, we also appreciate that plexiglass allows you to see what is in the shelves without opening them. Engine access to the 30hp Yanmar is excellent, the companionway steps lifting with ease on two gas struts. Overall we’d concur with France’s Voile magazine that, for its size and purpose, the Océanis is a boat of the year for 2008. For cruising, and even the odd local race, you’d love to do West Highland Week, or say, Round Mull, in real comfort, in the Océanis 37. • The new Beneteau 37 footer is well priced at £95,000 inc VAT, fully commissioned, and ready to sail at Clyde Marina, Ardrossan, home of Sunbird Yachts.