Allures 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Allures 44 began production in 2005, emerging from a shipyard founded just two years prior by Stéphan Constance and Xavier Desmarest, whose ambition was to build truly robust yachts for challenging long-distance voyages. While the Allures 40 was the company's inaugural vessel, the Allures 44 holds the distinction of being their first lifting keel model constructed from aluminum. This design choice became a hallmark for the brand, prioritizing the ability to access shallow anchorages without compromising offshore performance.

The naval architecture, primarily from Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design (with Franck Darnet Design contributing to the interior on some models), reflects a philosophy of creating performance sailing yachts that exceed customer expectations. The Allures 44's design was specifically conceived to combine the essential characteristics of a true cruising sailboat: a strong aluminum hull for durability and impact resistance, a composite deck and superstructure to optimize weight distribution, and an innovative centerboard system. This robust construction is particularly well-suited for extended voyages to distant and potentially challenging sailing grounds. A testament to its capabilities, an Allures 44 named "Opale" famously undertook a challenging crossing of the Northwest Passage in 2019, showcasing the inherent strength and design integrity of the model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Allures 44 is engineered for capable and comfortable performance across a range of conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.09, she suggests good all-around performance, including respectable handling in lighter winds. Her ballast to displacement ratio of 0.40 indicates a stiff and stable platform, well-equipped to stand up to stronger winds and maintain an even keel in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 185.45 places her in the category of moderately light, performance-oriented cruisers, suggesting an efficient hull form that can cover ground effectively without being overly burdensome.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Allures 44 for its seaworthiness and ease of handling, whether navigating short coastal hops or embarking on significant ocean passages. The lifting keel system not only provides access to shallow waters but also contributes to flexible performance, allowing for optimized draft depending on the sailing conditions. The fractional sloop rig further enhances her adaptability and control.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Allures 44 is designed to provide comfortable and functional living spaces for long-distance cruising. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the layout prioritizes spaciousness and circulation. Typical arrangements feature a two-cabin configuration, comprising a forward owner's cabin, often equipped with an en-suite toilet and shower, and an aft guest cabin, usually to starboard. Some versions may include a large storage area or workshop to port aft.

A distinctive feature of the Allures design is the seamless integration of the centerboard well into the saloon, which ensures smooth circulation and easy access throughout the main living area. The interior finish is characterized by high-quality materials and craftsmanship, with models often benefiting from the expertise of Franck Darnet Design, contributing to a refined and practical onboard environment. The focus on robustness extends to the interior, with features like an isolated hull contributing to comfort in varying climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Allures 44 frequently highlight the vessel's solid construction and its reliable performance in diverse conditions as primary strengths. The boat is consistently regarded as a robust, safe, and self-sufficient platform, making it a trusted companion for extensive voyages. Reviews often commend its comfortable motion in a seaway, a crucial attribute for blue-water sailing. The ability of an Allures 44 to successfully traverse the Northwest Passage further underscores the confidence owners place in these yachts for extreme expeditions.

While specific widespread issues are not commonly cited in broad owner reviews, some general discussions around Allures yachts have occasionally touched upon potential challenges at the aluminum-GRP interface, though the shipyard is understood to have addressed these concerns over time. Overall, the Allures 44 maintains a strong reputation among its owners for its fundamental reliability and its ability to deliver on the promise of safe and comfortable ocean cruising.