No chines, no edges, no overly wide stern or a pumped-up foredeck, but harmonious, streamlined lines and an overall appearance that will still be recognised in years to come: The 345, which has evolved from the Arcona 340, is appealing, and it is just as impressive on the water: unpretentious, reliable, controllable.
The boat, which is offered with a tiller as standard, is optionally available with two wheels. On deck, the generously dimensioned fittings such as winches and lever clamps and the fact that the backstay is not split are also striking. Below deck, the Swedes now also offer an interior in limed oak and therefore light-coloured wood - a first. Another special feature concerns the competition: apart from the Dehler 34, there is no competition from the large series; the market is shared by specialists such as Elan, J Boats and the Swedish shipyards Linjett, Diva and Arcona.
The test was published in YACHT, issue 22/2020. The magazine can be ordered directly here, or you can download the test directly via the link below.
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Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.
