A more powerful sailboat than its predecessor
Begun in 2017 with the 51-footer, the renewal of the Oceanis range continues. Bénéteau presented the Oceanis 34.1 at the Grand Pavois 2021. The yacht replaces the 35.1. By taking up the spirit of the new range and working on the equipment and manufacturing, the teams at Bénéteau claim to have gained 500 kg compared to the Oceanis 35.1. The voluminous hull designed by Marc Lombard, combined with a larger sail plan - 49.3 m² in the standard version and 71.7 m² for the First Line Performance version - should give the boat superior performance. The boat is offered with three different types of ballast: a fixed keel with a 2-meter draft and 1,580 kg or a short keel at 1.50 meters, with an additional 280 kg; a lifting keel of 1,506 kg for a high draft of 1.25 meters and a low draft of 2.55 meters.
A simple deck plan and many fittings options
In its basic version, the yacht is delivered with a single winch on the roof, allowing to manage the halyard and the sheets of the self-tacking jib, as well as the sheets of the German-rigged mainsail. If the manufacturer claims that the configuration satisfies many users, boaters wishing more ease in maneuvering can opt for a 2nd winch on the roof and 2 winches for the downwind sails or the option of a furling genoa, also available in packages called upwind or downwind. The genoa adopts a 3D adjustment system on a textile ring, instead of the traditional rail.
The cockpit offers a classic organization with a large table in the forward section and two side helm stations. The retractable seat for the helmsman, the absence of backstay and the transfer of the mainsheet point to a pantry above the roof, provide unobstructed access to the rear platform at anchor.
On the foredeck side, we can regret the self-tacking jib sheet bar on deck, not embedded, which, beyond the aesthetic aspect could prove to be trapping in the movements on the deck.
Comfortable cabins and layout tips
Without revolutionizing the interior layout, the Oceanis 34.1 takes advantage of the hull volume to offer a generous volume. Available in 2 or 3 cabin versions, the second version offers a separate shower and toilet.
A sign of the times, the L-shaped galley on the starboard side is equipped with a double garbage can for waste separation. On the navigation side, we will appreciate the tilting chart table.
An adjusted boat price
The first boats, manufactured in Poland, are scheduled for delivery in January 2022, at a base price of 109,000 euros (excluding VAT). With this price, adjusted for the manufacturer, Bénéteau is targeting boaters in northern and western Europe, but also sailors on the continent's inland lakes looking for these sizes of yachts.
