Alc 46 (LE Comte) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the LeComte ALC 46 commenced in 1973, marking a significant offering from the Dutch builder. The yacht's genesis lies in the successful Fastnet 45, designed by Alfred E. Luders, an American naval architect known for his scientific approach to yacht design, often utilizing tank-testing to optimize performance. Adolf LeComte, a visionary who founded LeComte-Holland in 1956, joined Luders in refining the Fastnet 45 into the ALC 46, bringing his yard's renowned construction philosophy to the design 1, 2, 6, Builder Article.

LeComte Yachts, active from 1956 to 1994, earned a sterling reputation for their unwavering commitment to quality. The ALC 46 exemplifies this ethos with its solid-glass hull construction and Airex-cored decks, ensuring durability and structural integrity. Interiors were a hallmark of LeComte craftsmanship, featuring yacht-quality varnished finishes that exuded a luxurious and classic feel, balancing attractive hull and rig designs with comfortable cruising accommodations, 5]. While the primary rig for the ALC 46 was a masthead sloop, some variations or custom builds may have offered a ketch rig, which can provide easier handling with smaller sail areas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The LeComte ALC 46 is characterized by its substantial build, designed for comfortable passage-making rather than outright racing, though its pedigree suggests capable performance. With a displacement of 25,000 lbs and a waterline length of 33.25 feet, the yacht has a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 304. This places it firmly in the category of heavier, more traditional cruisers, known for their solid feel and ability to carry stores for extended voyages.

Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 15.7 indicates moderate light-air performance, meaning it will likely require a good breeze to truly come alive but will handle well once powered up. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.40 (10,000 lbs of lead ballast in a 25,000 lb boat) is at the higher end, suggesting excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the ALC 46 to stand up to a good deal of wind without excessive heeling. SailboatLab describes the ALC 46 as a "heavy sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized". Despite its substantial nature, some reviews suggest the designers aimed for a "significantly more speedy hull design". These characteristics point to a vessel that is sea-kindly and inspires confidence in a variety of conditions, capable of long offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts can vary between individual yachts, the LeComte ALC 46 was built with the builder's renowned commitment to high-quality finishes and functional design. Owners can expect a classic interior, typically featuring rich varnished wood joinery throughout, a hallmark of LeComte's craftsmanship. As a 46-foot cruiser, the interior would typically offer a spacious salon, a well-appointed galley, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. These generally include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, and often a quarter berth or aft cabin.

Though detailed interior specifications are not widely published, a leaflet of the ALC 46 showcases its original interior design, emphasizing the thoughtful planning inherent in LeComte yachts. With a generous water capacity of 142 gallons (537 liters), the ALC 46 is well-equipped for extended periods aboard, reducing the need for frequent replenishment. The focus would have been on creating a comfortable and practical living space suitable for cruising, with ample storage for provisions and personal gear, and good natural ventilation.