Allures 45.9 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Allures Yachting, a French shipyard renowned for its commitment to durable and safe blue-water vessels, the 45.9 benefits from the expertise of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design for its naval architecture and exterior lines, with Frank Darnet Design crafting its modern and functional interior. It stands out as a lighter, high-performance option that combines speed with the brand's core values of safety and elegance, making it an ideal choice for fast blue-water cruising.

The Allures 45.9 began its production in 2018, emerging as a refined successor to previous 45-foot models and incorporating several innovative features. Its creation is rooted in the design philosophy of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, which specializes in high-performance sailing yachts, and the experience accumulated by Allures Yachting through extensive feedback from its owners. This collaboration aimed to deliver a yacht that offers excellent performance, seaworthiness in all conditions, spacious living areas, and a bright interior.

Allures Yachting, founded in 2003, built its reputation on crafting robust aluminum cruising yachts for challenging long-distance voyages. The 45.9 adheres to this ethos with its signature construction: an all-aluminum hull known for exceptional strength, durability, and impact resistance, paired with a composite deck and superstructure to optimize weight distribution and enhance interior volume. 1, 4, 9, Builder Article A defining characteristic of the 45.9, like other Allures models, is its innovative centerboard design. This feature allows the keel to be retracted, significantly reducing draft for exploring shallow anchorages while maintaining deep-keel performance and stability offshore. Owners can choose from various interior layouts, including "Owner" and "Family" configurations, and options like the "Ocean interior layout with 'Zen' light oak joinery." A lighter version, the Allures 45.9S, is also available, further highlighting the shipyard's commitment to continuous innovation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Allures 45.9 is designed to offer an impressive blend of speed and stability, making it a capable performer across diverse conditions. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.64, she exhibits good potential for performance, especially in lighter air, suggesting an ability to move well even when the wind is soft. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.38 indicates a solid level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 136.84 positions the 45.9 as a relatively light boat for her length, reinforcing her performance-oriented cruising capabilities.

Anecdotal evidence supports these figures, with reviews frequently praising the Allures 45.9 for its excellent performance and seaworthiness across various conditions. Sailors consistently report good directional stability and a pleasant, balanced helm, even in light breezes. The cutter rig is easily managed, making the boat suitable for a couple or a shorthanded crew to operate safely and efficiently. The dual rudders further contribute to enhanced control and stability, particularly in challenging sea states or when the lifting keel is deployed. All sail handling maneuvers are thoughtfully led back to the cockpit, simplifying operations and improving safety on deck.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures vary, the Allures 45.9 is lauded for its spacious and bright interior, a significant achievement for a robust blue-water cruiser. The interior design, by Frank Darnet Design, emphasizes modernity and functionality, providing optimum comfort both at sea and at anchor.

The layout typically features a well-appointed owner's cabin, often located aft, boasting a generously sized bed and at least four portholes, two of which are designed for ventilation, ensuring ample natural light and airflow. Depending on the chosen configuration, such as the "Owner" or "Family" layout, the interior can also include additional cabins, a head, a comfortable salon, a functional galley, and even a dedicated workshop – a highly valued feature by true cruisers. The interior benefits from numerous large windows and ports, which, combined with warm-toned woods like light oak joinery, create an inviting and airy atmosphere. The use of a composite deck, while contributing to weight optimization, also plays a role in enhancing the boat's interior volume and insulation properties., 9] Thoughtful storage solutions and good ventilation are also integral to the design, catering to the needs of long-distance voyagers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Allures 45.9 frequently commend the yacht's overall quality and its suitability for serious offshore sailing. They consistently praise its solid aluminum construction, which instills confidence for extended voyages to remote destinations. The comfort derived from its motion in a seaway, coupled with the ease of handling, especially with a small crew, are recurring themes in owner feedback. The innovative lifting keel and twin rudders are particularly appreciated for the versatility they offer, allowing access to shallow anchorages while maintaining excellent control offshore. While specific common problems were not widely detailed, the general sentiment reflects a high level of satisfaction, underscoring the brand's commitment to building yachts "by and for long-distance sailors."