French sailboats: 5 models between 10 and 11 meters, not just for cruising

French sailboats have always been a “must-have” in the market, the transalpine shipyards having always been among the leaders in sailboat production. French designers are then among the most sought after, not only for the open racing world, where many got their start, but also and especially for cruising boats. Starting with the 11 meters, let’s look at some goodies chosen by our editorial staff of French cruising boats.

You can also find them in the “Price Lists” section at the end of the Sail Newspaper’s print magazine, on newsstands every month, with the latest prices released by the shipyards.

11.98 m – First 36 / Beneteau

The 11-meter length and 3.80-meter beam are the first identikit features of this boat, along with the draft (2.25 m), if we look at the first data on the data sheet. In fact, it is the boat’s very light weight – 4.8 tons – that is the main feature that allows the
Beneteau First 36
to achieve the perfect cruiser/racer profile. The composite structure made of vacuum infusion, like most interiors, and the minimal cut of the furniture save weight and space. The deck is very clean and simplified, with a large cockpit and the two steering wheels with winches and all maneuvers available even while sitting. In cruise mode, a large central (folding) table with two additional seats can be set up. WATCH THE VIDEO EVIDENCE

• www.beneteau.com

Here you can find Beneteau dealers in Italy

10,40 m –
Sun Odyssey 350
/ Jeanneau

The boat can be customized in some details to fit the owner’s schedule, and offers different keel versions to meet the expectations of different sailors: a deep draft (1.98 m), a shallow draft (1.49 m) or a pivoting keel draft. The Sun Odyssey 350 is offered in an electric-powered version, available for coastal sailing. Instead, defining the size of the “easy sail” is the solution adopted for the backstay, which on the Sun Odyssey 350 that is eliminated altogether, with the 30-degree spreader angle taking over the rig. DISCOVER MORE.

• www.jeanneau.com

11, 93 m –
Oceanis 37.1
/ Beneteau

The new Oceanis 37.1 has a large deckhouse that allows it to create XXL volume inside. The cockpit shrinks a bit, with the wheelhouses moving aft, where the backstay disappears instead. All to make this 11 meter a true champion for interior space, ideal for those who want to take long vacations aboard. WATCH THE ONBOARD VIDEO

• www.beneteau.com

11,80 m –
RM 1180
/ RM Yachts

It is no longer a trend, it is now the reality for a certain segment of sport cruising boats: taking some of the successful elements of ocean openers and declining them with their own lexicon. Just what Marc Lombard, one of the open racing geniuses of the 1990s and beyond, has done with Fora Marine’s new RM 1180. A sport cruiser that is “futuristic” in some respects, but in reality has simply applied to its segment what is seen in the Ocean on boats such as the Imoca 60 and Class 40. DISCOVER MORE.

• www.yachtsynergy.it

10,77 m –
Dufour 41
/ Dufour Yachts

This design is partly an evolution of the previous Dufour 360, but comprehensively rethought a bit in all aspects: the new model will be 20 cm wider, thus having a more comfortable interior and more sail area, but also a larger cockpit and rethought light points. Indeed, on the side, the Dufour 37 has a long continuous window, as well as on the deckhouse. In terms of appendages, the boat will have an L-shaped keel and a single rudder, and the rigging layout, on the other hand, will have 4 winches, with all rigging running in sight and halyard stoppers on the paramare.

. WATCH THE VIDEO ON BOARD

• www.dufour-yachts.com