Eagle 46: An elegant daysailer that offers an alternative to mainstream mass-market designs – put to the test
Michael Good
· 20.06.2026
Some boats are defined by their data, dimensions and specifications. Others, however, are characterised by the first glance. The Eagle 46 from Leonardo Yachts in the Netherlands falls into the second category. Long, sleek and deep, with elegant overhangs, a pronounced deck rise, an open cockpit and a breathtaking silhouette that sets it far apart from the mainstream.
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This elegant Dutch yacht may not be taking part in the industry-standard race for volume, number of cabins and maximum use of space. Her focus is elsewhere: simplicity rather than overloading, style rather than sheer size, quality rather than quantity. The concept is therefore aimed at owners who do not wish to sail on long voyages around the world, but prefer to cruise the waters in style. Envious glances come free of charge.
The Eagle 46 is built by Leonardo Yachts in Sneek, Friesland. The shipyard was founded in 2011 by brothers Steven and Melle Boersma. The first model was the Eagle 44, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects. This was followed by the Eagle 36 and its successor, the Eagle 38, based on designs by Hoek Design, as well as the larger models, the Eagle 54 and Eagle 70. Today, Leonardo Yachts is run by Steven Boersma and his wife Rachel. The shipyard is small but highly specialised. Currently, around ten to twelve boats are built there each year, ranging in length from just under 12 metres to over 21 metres.
Test results from the Eagle 46 test
The Eagle 46 is the latest addition to this range. It takes over from the Eagle 44, although the latter is still available. The design is by Hoek Design. Above water, the Eagle presents itself as a classic daysailer with a timeless appeal. Below the waterline, nostalgia gives way to modernity. The hull is slender, the keel is modern and performance-oriented with a T-shape, and the rudder is free-standing, deep and efficient. The keel consists of a milled stainless-steel structure with a lead bulb and is available in two draughts: 2.20 metres as standard, or alternatively 1.85 metres.
The hull and deck are built by external suppliers, as is the entire interior fit-out. The boats are then assembled, fitted out and completed at Leonardo Yachts in Sneek. The standard version of the Eagle 46 is built as a fibreglass sandwich with vinyl ester resin. The shipyard also offers an epoxy-carbon variant, which is around 900 kilograms lighter than the base version, though it is also significantly more expensive.
Classic looks, impressive performance under sail
YACHT magazine tested the Eagle 46 off Port Adriano in Mallorca. You could hardly ask for better conditions for a boat of this size: sunshine, around 4 Beaufort, moderate swell. The Eagle 46 sails just as well as it looks. Not skittish, not spectacular, nor does it possess that rigid, powerful stability that characterises many modern, wide and angular designs. This beautiful Dutch yacht literally carves its course through the water. Long, steady, determined. The slender hull glides as if on rails; the waterline works its magic, the boat takes on pressure, leans to one side and stays there. Brilliant!
And when sailing close-hauled, a figure literally etches itself onto the display: 6.6 knots. Not as a brief peak, but as a figure that remains steady. If the wind drops briefly, a little more swell hits the bow or the ride becomes slightly choppier, surprisingly little changes. 6.6 knots is set. The angle of the wind is just right, too. With the standard 105 per cent overlapping genoa, the Eagle 46 tacks at a turning angle of around 80 degrees.
Trim potential, rigging and sail plan
However, these impressive performance figures must be viewed in the context that the test boat is not fully equipped to production specifications. Instead of the standard aluminium rig, it is fitted with an optional carbon-fibre mast. Whilst the mast height and sail area remain the same, the reduced weight of the rig naturally further enhances the neutral, balanced hull attitude. Added to this is an upgrade to the sails, which are made from high-quality laminate fabric. Furthermore, the first boat built is also constructed from carbon fibre, with the corresponding weight saving. This, too, is likely to enhance its performance under sail.
The mast is positioned relatively far forward, and the forestay is set back. This keeps the J-measure relatively short; as a result, the genoa does not become too large despite the overlap and can remain well set even in stronger winds. For this reason, the shipyard does not even offer a self-tacking jib as an option. Overall, the sail plan remains classic: a pinhead mainsail, an overlapping genoa and clear proportions.
A feel for taxation with scope for improvement
It is surprising just how lively the boat is to sail. With a long, slender classic yacht featuring a deep, pronounced keel step, one would tend to expect a calm, and at times somewhat sluggish, handling. The Eagle 46 is different. Not only does it sail beautifully straight ahead, but it is also delightfully agile during manoeuvres. The steering is very balanced and direct. However, the first production model lacks any significant rudder pressure at the wheel. This makes it difficult to hold the boat precisely on the windward side. The large wheel steering provides the helmsman with very little feedback. Leonardo Yachts is aware of this problem and intends to rectify it in the production run. A rudder with slightly less forward balance should, in future, allow for a little more feedback.
From a technical point of view, the steering system is of a high standard. A Lewmar system is fitted, which remains easily accessible thanks to the large aft peak. The continuous cable runs through a large quadrant with short travel, meaning the boat responds very directly to steering inputs. For redundancy, the autopilot is directly linked to the quadrant. However, the steering wheel takes up space in the cockpit. It divides the long cockpit area into a forward section for the crew and a rear section for the helmsman. Anyone wishing to cross the cockpit cannot avoid a bit of a scramble. A tiller would provide a solution; whilst technically feasible in principle, it is not offered by the shipyard as a designated option.
The helmsman sits behind the wheel on a large, plush U-shaped sofa in the deep, fully sheltered cockpit. When the boat is heeling only slightly or under engine power, the bench behind the wheel is extremely comfortable; it can easily accommodate two people. Under sail and when the boat is heeling, however, the seating position is not quite ideal. Particularly when sailing to windward, the helmsman sits tensely on the bench, trying to find a firm grip. He steers more relaxed when sailing to leeward, as is common on many slender classic yachts. However, this steering position takes some getting used to.
Comfort, technology and plenty of storage space
The deck layout is designed for comfortable sailing with a small crew. The large genoa winches are positioned on either side of the running deck and are electric as standard. They are easily accessible from both the helmsman’s position and the crew in the forward cockpit area. There are two further winches on the cabin roof for halyards and trimmers. A special feature is the mainsheet. It runs to a captive winch fitted below deck in the aft peak, which is also electrically operated at the touch of a button. In addition, there is a hydraulically adjustable backstay and a hydraulic boom vang.
There is no shortage of storage space on deck. Beneath the hatches on the starboard side, there is a large storage locker in which most of the on-board equipment is housed and easily accessible. The huge aft locker beneath the large hatch in the rear of the bridge deck not only offers plenty of space for bulky items, but also provides excellent access to the captive winch and the steering system. A third large storage compartment is located in the foredeck. This is where the anchor is stowed, which can be deployed when required via a swivelling stainless-steel arm. The mechanism is neatly designed and, thanks to gas springs, can be operated with minimal effort.
An elegant ambience with deliberately limited space
Below deck, the elegant, upmarket design continues. The interior is beautiful, cosy and of a very high standard. However, for a boat over 14 metres in length, the Eagle 46 offers comparatively little living space, which is, of course, due to its sleek lines and low freeboard. Leonardo Yachts generally tailors the interior to the wishes, needs and requirements of its clients, as far as is technically feasible. Due to the sleek hull lines, the possibilities remain limited in any case. The test boat therefore largely corresponds to the shipyard’s standard in this respect.
The foredeck remains open and unpartitioned. It features a huge sleeping area, approximately 1.95 metres wide at shoulder height. The sofa berths in the saloon are also well suited for sleeping; the back cushions can be removed for this purpose. The dog’s berth aft, on the other hand, is more of a space for children. For adults, getting in through the hatch becomes something of an acrobatic feat. The headroom in the saloon and in the aft areas – near the galley and wet room – is around 1.75 metres. Shorter people can stand upright here, whilst taller people have to duck their heads. This, too, is of course primarily a compromise in favour of the classic, elegant look. The shipyard plans to lower the saloon floor slightly in future, thereby gaining around four centimetres of additional headroom.
A highlight below deck is the wet room aft. It is generously proportioned for a boat of this type, featuring a toilet, shower area and washbasin. Ventilation, however, leaves something to be desired. The wet room has neither a window nor a hatch, but only a ventilation grille leading to the storage locker. Ventilation options are also limited in the rest of the boat. Active fans would be highly desirable, at least as an option. When it comes to the choice of materials and workmanship, however, there is little to criticise. The gaps are just right, the fittings on doors and storage compartment lids are robust, and the upholstery, both inside and out, is thick and comfortable. The furniture is constructed from plywood, though not with real wood veneers, but with robust laminates that are more durable and do not flake off when exposed to moisture. Visually and to the touch, the laminates are virtually indistinguishable from real wood.
How much does the Eagle 46 cost?
The base price of 743,750 euros (including VAT) is certainly no bargain. However, it is difficult to assess its position within a potential market, as there are hardly any direct competitors. Comparable yachts with a similarly well-thought-out design are rare.
- Base price ex-shipyard: €743,750
- Price, ready to sail: €743,750
- Special offer price: €770,230
- Warranty/against osmosis: 2–5 years
SFor details of how the prices shown are defined as at 2026, please see here!
One thing is clear: the specification is comprehensive, the build quality is well above average, and many features are already included as standard at a level that, on other boats, can only be achieved through extensive lists of optional extras.
The conclusion is therefore clear: the Eagle 46 is a collector’s item with real substance, a counterpoint to mass-market production and a yacht for people who, when sailing, are not just interested in reaching their destination, but above all in doing so in style. It demands compromises, but rewards you with exceptional elegance, high build quality and an overwhelming joy of sailing.
YACHT review of the Eagle 46
An extremely elegant, high-quality daysailer or weekender from the Netherlands with excellent sailing performance. The price is high, but for good reason.
Design and Concept
Clear conceptual focus
Visually very appealing
Modern underwater map
Sailing performance and trim
Good height, good speed
Can be operated with one hand
Poor steering feel
Housing and build quality
Very large double berth at the front
Attractive, high-quality interior finish
Limited ventilation options
Equipment and Technology
Top-of-the-range features as standard
Sail trim at the touch of a button
Optional carbon fibre version
The Eagle 46 in detail
Technical specifications of the Eagle 46
- Designer: Hoek Design
- CE design category: B
- Fuselage length: 14.26 m
- Total length: 14.26 m
- Waterline length: 9.39 m
- Width: 3.03 m
- Depth / alternative: 2.20/1.85 m
- Mast height above water level: 17.65 m
- Theoretical fuselage speed: 7.4 kn
- Weight: 7.6 t
- Ballast/proportion: 2.8 t/37 %
- Mainsail: 51.0 m²
- Furling genoa (105 %): 43.0 m²
- Machine (Volvo P.): 37 kW/51 PS
- Fuel tank: 100 l
- Fresh water tanks: 150 l
- Greywater tank: 70 l
Hull and deck construction
GRP sandwich construction with a foam core and vinyl ester resin. Laminated using vacuum infusion. On request, the hull and deck can also be constructed from carbon fibre. The additional cost is 65,000 euros, and the boat is around 900 kilograms lighter.
Motorisation
Volvo Penta inboard diesel engine with 50 PS and Saildrive. An electric motor (Oceanvolt Elektropod) is available as an option.
Rig and sails
The standard configuration is an aluminium mast with two spreaders from Seldén, along with a basic set of Dacron sails (mainsail and genoa). The carbon-fibre rig is an option.
Shipyard and Sales
Leonardo Yachts B.V., 8606 KC Sneek (Netherlands); www.leonardoyachts.com
Sales
Diamond Yachts, 24235 Laboe; www.diamond-yachts.de
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
