In the last two years, Beneteau has launched a new series in the Oceanis line that combine great sailing qualities with ever more interior volume for the comforts of home. The new 40.1, which will debut in 2020, follows the 51.1, 46.1 and 30.1 in this new take on the Oceanis theme.
The 40.1 has a new Marc Lombard hull design with a pronounced chine aft and flared sections forward. This combines to reduce wetted surface and to provide a lot of initial stability and therefore power in the hull. Aft, the beam is carried to the transom, which opens up a lot of space for the cockpit and provides for a huge folding swim and boarding platform. Also, the twin helms have been moved aft so the cockpit table can be large enough for six to dine al fresco.
Forward, the flared hull sections make the foredeck wider than on many boats, which makes setting and dousing downwind sails safer and easier and makes anchoring easier. The built-in bow sprit is for downwind sails and doubles as a anchor roller.
Like her sisters in the new Oceanis line, the 40.1 can be ordered in a number of different configurations to satisfy the needs of a wide cruising audience. The “First” model is the performance configuration that comes with a taller rig, deeper keel and the deck hardware for large headsails. The standard model comes with a standard mast with a slab reefing mainsail and the option of a self-tacking or overlapping headsails. The 40.1 can also come with a shorthanded configuration with an in-mast furling mainsail and a self-tacking jib. Also, you can opt for the standard draft keel or a shoal draft version.
The accommodation plan below is equally as variable as the rigs. You can have a couple’s version with a master cabin and head forward and a guest cabin and head aft. This creates a lot of storage space beneath the port cockpit seat. Or you can opt for a thee-cabin version with the master cabin forward and two quarter cabins aft that share the aft head, Finally, if you like sailing with a large crew, you can specify the four-cabin arrangement plan that adds a bunk cabin just aft of the master cabin.
The saloon has the in-line galley along the starboard side. This has been given a C-shape that provides a good spot to brace a hip or leg while working with both hands when you are underway. There is a large fridge and plenty of storage space. Across from the galley is the L-shaped dinette with room for up to six for dinner. A moveable bench provides seating for the starboard side of the table. Just aft is the chart table where you can mount radios, satphone, an MFD repeater and other instruments and home entertainment devices. The TV can be mounted on a bulkhead on the aft side of the galley and folded out when you are watching.
The interior and cockpit were designed and styled by Nauta Designs from Milan. In the cockpit and down below you feel like you are in a much larger boat than just 40 feet. With large hull windows and multiple overhead hatches, the cabins and saloon are full of light and well ventilated. The 40.1 can be ordered with a pale oak color or a more traditional walnut finish.
The new Oceanis 40.1 is a versatile and attractive new addition to the line and with the multihull layouts and rig and keel configurations, you can order a new boat to fit your very specific needs. Read more about it here.