June 2011 -- Beneteau Cyclades 43
A Beneteau by any other name is still a Beneteau ...
With a history of pushing the envelope of development and learning from their years of production and worldwide base of loyal owners, Group Beneteau has once again launched a truly revolutionary, user friendly line of yachts; the Cyclades series. Launched in 2005 this series has been put through their paces sailing worldwide and the results are in; this yacht is true to its Beneteau pedigree and offers unparalleled performance and comfort for value. More specifically I am referring to the Cyclades 43, that I had the pleasure of spending time on and sailing recently.
In Ft. Lauderdale, I was introduced to “Fujo”, a 2005 Cyclades 43 that had retired from charter out of the Moorings Fleet in Tortola. While I am accustomed to the high level of service and maintenance that The Moorings offers on its yachts, having been selling them for over 20 years, I was still taken aback by the excellent condition of the yacht. Looking closely I realized that this was as much by design as it was by the professional maintenance and care of the Moorings Charter Base in Tortola.
Looking at and sailing the yacht from the perspective of private ownership, it became more and more obvious that the needs of our private owners and that of the charter fleets is becoming more closely intertwined than ever before in history. This yacht was obviously well built and easy to maintain with all systems logically placed and accessible. The equipment used was all name brand and easy to service and get parts for. The interior was modern and easy to maintain with the use of proven materials, and more than anything, they have not overcomplicated this yacht so it is first and foremost user friendly.
Designed by Berret and Racoupe and built in France, these yachts carry the Beneteau pride in tradition and build quality. The hull is constructed of hand laid fiberglass with traditional balsa core above the waterline, solid fiberglass below the waterline. The Cyclades model also boasts an internal grid unit that Beneteau has been so effectively using across its lines for its production friendly qualities that deliver a more precise and solid yacht without compromising performance. From the first time I saw this feature I was a fan as I found the gel coat finished bilge compartments easy to keep clean and dry and for extended sails I could even use this space for storage. Adding to the solid grid unit the topsides and deck incorporate sandwich ingrained balsa core construction that ensures a quiet, well insulated hull with an exceptional weight to strength ratio.
I found excellent deck and cockpit access thanks to the free standing bimini cover with side decks that are easy to walk around due to the outboard mounted chainplates. Stainless steel cabin top handrails for safety and ease of maintenance were well thought out. Six opening ports in the cabin sides, two large and two smaller overhead hatches provide ample natural light and ventilation. At the bow, the standard Pro Furl roller furling genoa is mounted above a double anchor roller with stainless steel deck guard leading to the electric windlass. A hand held remote windlass control allows effortless lowering and raising of the anchor. The well mounted stanchions, double lifelines port, starboard, and stern insure safety and ease of boarding.
The fully protected cockpit offers long seats with lockers under, drop leaf table with storage, and easily accessed wide companionway with proper doors. The cockpit design is a highlight of this model with fold down rear cover and double lifelines over the life raft compartment allowing unhindered water access. The swim platform has port and starboard lockers for dive gear with the swim ladder folded against the starboard transom close to the cockpit shower. I found this very handy when entering the yacht after diving as I was able to rinse myself and my diving gear, store my mask and snorkel in those lockers, and enter the cockpit salt free.
The twin steering wheels not only improve visibility and ease of sailing, but allow unhindered movement from the transom forward. Navigation instruments are conveniently placed nearby as are the top quality Harken #44 two speed self tailing genoa winches. Two Harken #40 2 speed cabin top winches, nine line stoppers, lazy jacks and STAC PAC allows for complete control of the mainsail and roller furling genoa from the fully protected cockpit. I noted that the Cyclades 43 cockpit is designed to make this model a delight for open air dining yet fully protected by the forward dodger and unique fixed bimini that does not have the usual cumbersome supports allowing me unrestricted cockpit access.
Entering the salon I was struck by the sheer volume and the excellent 6’ 8” headroom. The starboard U-shaped settee with surrounding seating can be converted into a double berth to compliment the three generous double cabins each fitted with a private head and shower and all offering 6’ 3” headroom. I was surprised to see that all interior doors were identical which is another feature designed for easy and low maintenance. The full linear galley to port has lots of storage and counter space including the large top opening refrigerator. Across from the galley was the forward facing navigation station with chart table which has storage underneath. The electrical breaker panels and radios are located here with plenty of room to add extras.
Being a bit of a grease monkey, I appreciated the easy engine access allowed from not only the swing up companionway steps, but removable panels to all sides. The 54 hp Yanmar diesel engine pushes “Fujo” to hull speed with lots of reserve power and makes dockside maneuvering safe and easy.
Yes but what about the sailing and performance of the yacht? This is where the professional appreciation for a well built boat turned into child like hedonism to out sail and maneuver every other yacht that was willing to sail within my imaginary race course and I can assure you I had the right ride for the race on this day. With 20 knots of breeze, a shorthanded crew, and a need for speed we were off.
From the comfort of the cockpit we raised the main and set the genoa with minimal effort. As soon as the wind caught there was no lag and we were off feeling every lift and gliding through the holes. With full sail the helm was light to the touch and responsive with a well balanced rig and sail configuration. My one complaint was the somewhat minimalistic boom control double line system. Understanding the benefit of the system in place I would have preferred a traveler, but again this may be just because this is what I am familiar with. All said the yacht performed amazingly well and felt stable and strong without compromising a spry and lively sailing performance.
My final thoughts on this yacht are that, while relatively unknown as a model, it's a Beneteau through and through. While I only sailed her in coastal waters, it was obvious that while she was initially designed for the charter fleet, this yacht would be just as well fit for blue water cruising as it would be for holiday usage in tropical locations. This is a versatile yacht that offers fantastic value for buyers that are looking for a well maintained yacht, built by a quality yard with the ability to go anywhere or just for bragging rights at the Thursday night races.
Bob Ross, CPYB
The Moorings Yacht Brokerage
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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View list of current Beneteau Cyclades 43 available for sale
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