The large C-shaped galley has plenty of room for food prep, with twin sinks, a double-burner stove and oven, and a refrigerator that is top- and front-opening. The saloon also features an L-shaped settee with a movable centerline bench that creates seating for eight. The small navigational desk shares the aft end of the settee seat, but there is plenty of room for the basics and even a folded chart.

Under sail

The 45-horsepower Yanmar diesel was quiet and had plenty of punch as we powered out into Chesapeake Bay. The engine controls were at the starboard helm, with B&G Zeus navigation, autopilot and Harken Rewind winch controls locate within easy reach. Another Zeus display and a set of electric winch controls were located at the port helm.

A 12-knot westerly greeted us as we headed south down the bay. It was easy to quickly set the main and roll out the genoa as we beat out across the bay. We sailed upwind at 6.5  knots as the wind slowly built into the high teens. The optional carbon wheels were comfortable and the helm never felt loaded. As the boat heeled, you could feel the chines lock in and the boat tracked nicely, even in the puffs. The folding foot chock make it comfortable to steer as the boat heeled.

We jibed around to head back to the barn and it was easy to roll up the genoa and unfurl the code zero. The test boat came equipped with the optional polyester bowsprit that gets the anchoring gear away from the bow and provides a tacking point for the code zero. This sail offered plenty of punch as we broad reached at 8.5 knots, poking up into the 9s in the puffs.

For a family of six, or a couple looking to cruise, this midsize cruiser has it all in a comfortable well-built package.

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LOA 42’3”; LOD 39’4”; LWL 38’5”; Beam 13’9”; Draft performance 7’5”, Draft deep 7’1”, Draft shallow 5’6”; Displ. 17,600 lb.; Ballast performance 4,417 lb., Ballast deep 4,423 lb., Ballast shallow 4,930 lb. ; Sail area standard 751 sq. ft., Sail area performance 851 sq. ft.

Base boat price: $329,779 Find your local dealer: www.beneteau.com