Comparative test of 11-metre performance cruisers: One class, six boats, three days
Michael Good
· 13.05.2022
Cosy or sporty or even better: both. The performance cruiser class is looking for the right balance between performance and comfort. The genre is appealing and the compromise is more in demand than ever. YACHT invited six current performance cruisers with hull lengths between 11 and 11.50 metres to the Flensburg Fjord for a group comparison. The following types accepted the invitation:
- Arcona 385 (Test YACHT 20/2014, as Arcona 380)
- Dehler 38 SQ (Test YACHT 13/2021)
- Faurby 370 (Test YACHT 12/2014, as Faurby 363 E)
- First 36 from Beneteau (Test YACHT 9/2022)
- J 112 E (Test YACHT 20/2016)
- X 4.0 (Test YACHT 18/2019)
The tests took place at the beginning of this week from Monday to Wednesday on the Flensburg Fjord, in the best conditions with initially moderate easterly and later sometimes quite brisk south-westerly winds. And to anticipate: The results were surprising not only for the YACHT test crew, but also for many of the participants. Despite many conceptual differences and a broad design layout, all six test yachts showed very strong performance and hardly gave anything away when sailing in a group or in a direct comparison of boat against boat. The potential is almost identical, especially upwind. The differences are greater under sail and downwind. The steering characteristics, the handling for the crew, the layout on deck or the equipment ex shipyard as well as the possible options are also assessed. And, of course, the YACHT test team of four also subjected the living space, cosiness, quality and technical installations below deck to an in-depth comparative test.
The comprehensive test report appears as a multi-part series in YACHT from issue no. 14/2022. You can see a test video report on the new First 36 from Beneteau at YACHT tv (please click).
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants in the comparison test for their excellent co-operation, the shipyards and brand representatives for the boats they provided, and the Flensburg Yacht Service FYS for their hospitality in the Sonvik marina.
That was said:
Magnus Lundgren, Arcona Yacht: "Great test! We are delighted to be part of it and to be able to present our boats in this environment. We have been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this, especially as not only very good boats but also excellent sailors compete against each other here. The organisation of the test and the evaluation of the boats is impressively professional!"
Oli Leu, Oleu Watersports, Sales Beneteau First/Seascape: "The test was great fun. Especially after Corona and all the cancelled trade fairs, it was a great opportunity to meet up again. The very sporty interaction between the representatives of the individual brands is also great. I'm straight back into regatta fever!"
