The Beneteau 361 is a popular sailing boat designed and manufactured by the French company Beneteau. It is a mid-sized cruising yacht that offers a comfortable and spacious interior combined with good sailing performance.
Here are some key features and specifications of the Beneteau 361:
1. Design: The boat was designed by Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau, known for their expertise in creating performance-oriented cruising yachts. The design incorporates a balanced hull shape, moderate displacement, and a high aspect ratio sail plan for good speed and stability.
2. Dimensions: The Beneteau 361 has an overall length of 36 feet (11 meters) and a beam of 12 feet 6 inches (3.8 meters). It has a draft of 5 feet 4 inches (1.6 meters), which allows for good upwind performance while still being able to access shallow anchorages.
3. Interior: The interior of the Beneteau 361 is designed to maximize comfort and livability. It features a spacious saloon with a U-shaped seating area and a large dining table. There are two cabins, typically a forward owner's cabin and an aft cabin, providing accommodation for up to six people. The boat also has a well-equipped galley and a separate head compartment with a shower.
4. Sailing Performance: The Beneteau 361 is known for its good sailing performance. It has a balanced sail plan with a large mainsail and a furling genoa, allowing for easy handling and versatility. The boat is responsive and can handle a wide range of wind conditions, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and longer offshore passages.
5. Construction: The boat is built using Beneteau's well-established construction techniques, which combine a solid fiberglass hull with a balsa core deck for strength and rigidity. The deck layout is designed for easy movement and efficient sail handling, with all control lines led back to the cockpit.
6. Options and Upgrades: The Beneteau 361 offers various options and upgrades to customize the boat according to individual preferences. These may include additional equipment such as a bow thruster, upgraded electronics, and different interior layouts.
Overall, the Beneteau 361 is a well-regarded sailing boat that offers a combination of comfort, performance, and versatility. It is suitable for both experienced sailors and those new to cruising, making it a popular choice for coastal and offshore adventures.
