Arcona 400 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Arcona 400 entered production in 2001, signaling a new direction for the Arcona shipyard. She remained in production until 2014, with over 160 units built, making her Arcona Yachts' most sold model. The design was penned by the esteemed Swedish maritime architect Stefan Qviberg, who was also responsible for earlier successful Arcona models like the Arcona 32. Arcona's core design philosophy, deeply rooted in its "By Sailors, for Sailors" motto, emphasizes achieving an optimal balance between high-performance capabilities and relaxed cruising comfort. For the Arcona 400, this translated into modern, fast lines and an elegant design coupled with technically advanced construction, including a vacuum-infused hull and deck. This model solidified Arcona's reputation for building robust yachts, often utilizing sandwich construction with high-density Divinycell cores in their hand-laminated hulls and decks. The Arcona 400 was notably offered with options for both two or three cabin interior layouts, catering to diverse owner needs, and a shallow draft option was also available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Arcona 400's design ratios underscore its performance-oriented cruiser nature. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.0, she is well-powered and exhibits strong performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, ensuring she can move swiftly even with minimal wind. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 38.5% points to a solid amount of ballast relative to her overall weight, contributing significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a greater amount of wind pressure without excessive heel. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 168.45 places her firmly in the light-to-moderate displacement category for a boat of her size. This indicates a relatively light and nimble vessel for her length, translating to good acceleration and responsiveness. Anecdotal evidence from owners confirms this, describing the Arcona 400 as having "sailing performance to die for" and taking off "like a true racer" when under full sail. She is consistently noted for her swiftness and overall excellent sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed specifications from the on interior specifics are limited, the Arcona 400 is renowned for its luxurious and well-appointed interior, often crafted with beautiful Khaya Mahogany varnished to a high satin finish. The craftsmanship throughout the interior is often compared favorably to other esteemed Swedish builders. The layout typically features a spacious and bright saloon, creating an inviting living area. Many configurations offer three large cabins, including a comfortable owner's cabin located forward, often in a V-berth configuration, and two generous aft cabins. The galley (kitchenette) is described as large with ample work area, suitable for preparing meals both at anchor and underway. The overall interior design prioritizes comfort and functionality, contributing to the Arcona 400's appeal as a capable cruising yacht.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Arcona 400 consistently praise its solid construction and robust build quality. Many consider it a "real enthusiast's yacht," highlighting its rewarding sailing experience. The dual nature of the Arcona 400 as a performance cruiser is often lauded, with owners appreciating its ability to perform competitively in races while also offering comfortable and safe passage for family cruising. There are accounts of Arcona 400 owners undertaking significant voyages, including a year-long bluewater cruise covering over 12,000 nautical miles and transatlantic trips, attesting to the boat's suitability for extended offshore adventures. While specific common problems are not widely reported, the overall sentiment from the owner community is one of high satisfaction with the yacht's performance, comfort, and build quality. Owners sometimes opt for laminated sails to enhance the boat's already impressive performance characteristics.