The new Allures will be launched under the type designation 45.9 and will also be available as an option in a version with a swivelling keel. This is probably the most important change in the concept development compared to the predecessor model Allures 45 (test in YACHT 5/2011). The standard boat will of course remain the dry-dockable long keel with integral ballast centreboard, in line with the shipyard's programme.
With the swing keel version, the shipyard is now breaking new ground. Allures Yachting wants to appeal to sailors who do not want to use their boat primarily and exclusively for long blue-water cruises, but who are often travelling close to the coast and appreciate good performance under sail. The new swing keel is around two tonnes lighter overall than the keel centreboard with its relatively high proportion of internal ballast. According to the shipyard, the stability under sail should be comparable for both variants.
The hull was redesigned in the Berret/Racoupeau office and is now 77 centimetres longer than its predecessor. Allures Yachting manufactures its boats as round bilge aluminium hulls, a very complex but also extremely robust construction method. The deck with superstructure, cockpit and stern platform, on the other hand, is made of GRP and comes from a single mould. This special combination is a unique selling point of the shipyard from Cherbourg.
The arrangement in the cockpit is also new. The winches are now on a pedestal at the helm and are also arranged more towards the centre of the boat, similar to the larger sister Allures 52 (test in YACHT 13/2016). This arrangement makes working on the winches much easier and has proven its worth in tests. And the layout has been further optimised for even easier and safer handling. The ergonomics are also said to have been improved.
Allures has opted for more variety and choice for the interior, which is also available in a so-called "Zen version" with light-coloured oak wood. The slightly darker cherry wood is still used for the interior as standard. There are also options for the interior in the bow, where two separate berths are available instead of the large island bed. Owners can also have their cabin in the bow fitted with an additional toilet room.
The price list and specifications for the new Allures 45.9 are not yet available. The German distribution of Blue-Yachting in Bremen can, however, already name a basic price: 399,000 euros gross. This makes the new model as expensive as its predecessor, the Allures 45.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
