Arcona 345 Information, Review, Specs

The Arcona 345 commenced production in 2020, continuing Arcona Yachts' legacy under the ownership of Håkan Eksandh, who acquired the brand in 2018. This modern iteration of an Arcona performance cruiser takes significant design inspiration from larger models in the range, such as the Arcona 435 and the flagship Arcona 465, ensuring a contemporary aesthetic and functionality. A notable characteristic of the Arcona 345 is its shared hull design with the Arcona 340, but distinguished by a taller rig, aiming to enhance its sailing performance. The builder, Arcona Yachts, has a history rooted in Boo Marine AB, established in 1967. They are renowned for their robust sandwich construction, utilizing materials like Divinycell as a core in their hand-laminated hulls and decks. Modern Arcona yachts, including the 345, benefit from advanced construction techniques such as multi-axial rovings, Vinylester resin, and vacuum infusion for hull lamination, ensuring stiffness and durability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Arcona 345 is engineered to deliver a responsive and efficient sailing experience, aligning with its designation as an exciting performance cruiser. Its design, with a light displacement of 11,464 pounds and a waterline length of 32.15 feet, results in a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 154. This low D/L ratio suggests a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size, capable of agile handling. The yacht boasts a generous sail area, with a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 21.5. This high SA/D figure indicates excellent light-air performance, allowing the boat to move well in lighter breezes.

With a ballast of 4,189 pounds, composed of lead, the Arcona 345 features a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.365. While not in the highest range of stiffness, this ratio indicates good stability, enabling the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind and provide a comfortable motion. Anecdotal reviews praise the boat as fast and attractive, with a deck layout optimized for performance cruising. It is described as easy to sail, offering performance comparable to, or even surpassing, other notable yachts in its class. Standard twin wheels further emphasize its performance-oriented design and enhance control.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Arcona 345 is designed to be appealing and functional, reflecting a Scandinavian ethos of straightforward, clean, and practical design. Drawing inspiration from its larger siblings, the interior is modern and well-appointed. With a maximum headroom of 6.23 feet, the cabin offers comfortable standing room for most individuals. The typical layout includes a forward cabin designed with ample space, providing a good-sized berth. While specific details on the galley, salon, and head configuration were not extensively detailed in the search results, Arcona's reputation for quality construction suggests a well-finished interior with thoughtful use of materials, typically combining wood trim with modern fiberglass components for a durable and aesthetically pleasing environment suitable for comfortable cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

The Arcona 345 quickly established itself as a favored choice among sailors seeking a versatile performance cruiser. Owners consistently praise its dual capability, making it a "favourite performance cruiser on the racecourse and indeed for cruising with family and friends". This positive reception highlights the boat's success in balancing competitive sailing characteristics with the comfort and amenities desired for leisurely voyages. While specific common problems or weaknesses were not prominently mentioned in the available reviews, the overall sentiment points towards a high level of satisfaction regarding the boat's performance, design, and build quality.