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Comparative testA sporty six-pack in a group test

Michael Good

 · 12.07.2022

Comparative test: A sporty six-pack in a group testPhoto: YACHT / N. Krauss
A strong field: the comparison group on the downwind leg. The performance potential is fairly evenly balanced across the board
Six performance cruisers in the eleven-metre class in the big YACHT comparison test. In Part 1: everything you need to know about sailing characteristics, performance potential and trim - now available as a PDF download

Cosy or sporty or even better: both! The performance cruiser genre is looking for a happy medium between two worlds: Sport and comfort. The compromise is particularly appealing and currently more in demand than ever. YACHT invited six representatives of the eleven metre hull length class to a group comparison on the Flensburg Fjord. The Arcona 385 from Sweden, the Dehler 38 SQ from Germany, the Faurby 370 from Denmark, the First 36 from Beneteau in France, the American J 112 E, which is also built in France, and last but not least the X 4.0 from Denmark took up the sporting challenge.

Over three days, the six strong competitors have to show what they can do under sail.The first part of the major comparison test in YACHT 14/2022 focuses primarily on the sailing characteristics of the yachts and the performance potential in comparison. We also look at the layouts on deck with all the advantages and disadvantages in terms of handling and the trim options. We also look at the equipment on deck and the quality of the add-on parts.

YACHT presents all the findings from the large group test in four consecutive issues.

  • Part 1, issue 14/2022: he sailing characteristics, sailing performance, handling and trim
  • Part 2, issue 15/2022:Where do the comparison yachts score in terms of living comfort, cosiness and storage space? Which boats offer the most practical interior layout and how much flexibility is available for the interior design?
  • Part 3, issue 16/2022: How are the boats built and what are the on-board technology installations like? What solutions do the manufacturers come up with for the water circuit, the electrical supply and the controls?
  • Part 4, issue 17/2022:the final tally. What conclusions does the YACHT test team draw, is there a clear winner? Here is a detailed and comparative overview of the pricing and all possible competitor yachts
One theme, six different interpretations. The view of the fleet in the package illustrates the differences. From left: Arcona 385, Beneteau First 36, X 4.0, J 112 E, Dehler 38 SQ, Faurby 370
Photo: YACHT / N. Krauss

Part 1 has been published in YACHT, issue 14/2022. DK-Shop available. Or you can download part 1 of the comparison test directly via the link below.

Downloads:

Performance cruiser comparison test, part 1 (pdf)

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Michael Good

Michael Good

Editor Test & Technology

Michael Good is test editor at YACHT and is primarily responsible for new boats, their presentation and the production of test reports. Michael Good lives and works in Switzerland on the shores of Lake Constance. He has been sailing since childhood and, in addition to his professional activities, has also been an active regatta sailor for many years, currently mainly in the Finn Dinghy and Melges 24 classes. He is also co-owner of a 45 National Cruiser built in 1917. Michael Good has been working for the YACHT editorial team since January 2005 and has tested around 500 yachts, catamarans and dinghies in that time.

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