The design again comes from the J&J Design office of the brothers Japec and Jernej Jakopin. The Slovenians have given the new Sunbeam 46.1 an upright stern and a positive yacht stern, as well as a very pronounced deck step. The new 46 thus adopts the design language of the Sunbeam 40.1, which was presented as an innovation in spring 2015 (test in YACHT 2/15). However, the lines of the new boat are much more elongated and the hull windows are narrower. Overall, the first renderings promise harmonious and very attractive lines.
A new feature of the Sunbeam 46.1 is a tarpaulin bracket fitted above the cockpit. The sprayhood, a sun bimini or a completely enclosed cake stand can be attached to this. What's more, the mainsheet guide also runs over the bracket, which is deflected forwards and fed back into the cockpit on both sides. This keeps the cockpit free of the bulkhead and traveller rail.
The Sunbeam 46.1 is available in three different versions, with the differences focussing on the functional set-up of the rig. The standard boat is being launched as a cruising version, with a 2-saling aluminium mast and overlapping genoa. As an option, the boat could also be equipped with a self-tacking jib. The performance version of the Sunbeam will have a higher carbon rig and laminate sails. Finally, the blue water version is equipped with an additional cutter stay and a rollable Code Zero. The idea is that all three sails remain permanently attached on long journeys and can be furled and unfurled as required. The bowsprit is offered as an extra and can also be used as a step. A bow ladder can be attached to the bow nose for this purpose. This option is particularly popular with sailors who are often travelling in the archipelago or prefer to lie with the bow facing the jetty.
While the little sister Sunbeam 40.1 has a T-keel, the larger 46.1 now has an L-keel with draughts of 2.20 metres (standard) or optionally 1.90 metres (short keel option). Exciting: The hull of the new 46 is built with a semi-recumbent skeg. This is intended to improve the flow to the rudder blade in the upper area. In addition, a stern thruster can also be integrated into the skeg - this is a real novelty, which is now being presented by Sunbeam. It will be interesting to see how this innovative system proves itself.
Buyers can choose between oak and African teak for the interior. The standard layout includes three spacious double cabins and two heads. The bathroom in the foredeck also has a separate shower cubicle. As a variation, the boat can be ordered as a two-cabin boat. In this case, the aft cabin on the starboard side can be converted into a large forecastle, which can be accessed both from the outside of the cockpit and from the inside through a door.
The first Sunbeam 46.1 is scheduled for completion in June 2018 and will then be available for a YACHT test. Shipyard boss Gerhard Schöchl has already named an initial price: the new Sunbeam will cost 449,820 euros, including 19% VAT.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
