The Wauquiez Centurion 41 S is a highly regarded sailboat that exemplifies the builder's commitment to exceptional quality, seaworthiness, and spirited performance. Conceived as a luxury bluewater cruiser, she seamlessly blends refined onboard comfort with the robust construction and handling characteristics necessary for serious offshore passages. Produced by the esteemed French shipyard Wauquiez from 1994 to 1999, the Centurion 41 S was penned by the renowned naval architect Edward Dubois.
Centurion 41 S Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Centurion
- Model
- 41 S
- Number Built
- 31
- Production Year(s)
- 1994 - 1999
The creation of the Centurion 41 S unfolded within a period where Wauquiez, established by Henri Wauquiez in 1965, was solidifying its reputation for building "extraordinary boats" with an emphasis on durability and quality. The shipyard embraced solid fiberglass construction, a hallmark of their early vessels, ensuring robust builds. The Centurion 41 S, designed by Edward Dubois, stands as a testament to this philosophy, aiming for exceptional sailing performance, reliability, and high levels of comfort. Dubois, a frequent collaborator with Wauquiez, contributed to a design ethos that prioritizes an excellent performing yacht with elegant and timeless lines. Throughout its production run, approximately 31 units of the Centurion 41 S were built, with no significant variations such as MkI/MkII designations or alternative rig types commonly noted in available information.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The Centurion 41 S is characterized by its brilliant sailing performance and robust handling, making it a "fast and bulletproof cruiser/racer." With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.08, she is well-powered for a cruising vessel of her size, suggesting good performance in lighter winds without being overly tender in a breeze. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/D) of around 0.38 indicates a respectable degree of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain her course effectively. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of roughly 228.3 places her in the category of a moderately heavy, yet performance-oriented cruiser, capable of covering distances efficiently while offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. The hull's construction, featuring a solid fiberglass build with an Airex foam core sandwich and bulkheads laminated to the hull, contributes significantly to its stiffness and overall strength. Anecdotal reports consistently praise the yacht's ability to handle various conditions reliably.
Accommodations and Layout
While specific details on the interior layout of every Centurion 41 S vary, the model is renowned for its high level of comfort and meticulously crafted interiors, primarily featuring handmade woodwork. Wauquiez's general design philosophy for their luxury bluewater sailboats emphasizes spacious and bright interiors, often with a refined finish. Owners have noted typical arrangements include cabins with wardrobes, and an aft cabin to port, sometimes with direct access to a head and shower, highlighting a thoughtful use of space, especially in "owner's versions." The quality of materials and attention to detail in the joinery are consistent with Wauquiez's reputation for luxury. Storage is generally ample, suitable for extended cruising, and ventilation is typically well-considered for comfort in various climates.
Owner's Perspectives
Owners of the Wauquiez Centurion 41 S consistently praise its top-tier quality and exceptionally sturdy construction. The vessel is frequently described as a well-built yacht, capable of handling demanding passages with confidence, reflecting its design as a reliable bluewater cruiser. The collective sentiment points to a yacht that maintains its value and reputation for enduring performance and comfort. While specific common problems are not widely reported in public forums, the consistent emphasis on the boat's robust build quality suggests a high degree of owner satisfaction regarding its inherent reliability.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Fin
- Rudder
- 1x Spade
- Ballast
- 8000 lbs
- Displacement
- 21000 lbs
- Water Capacity
- 132 gal
- Fuel Capacity
- 55 gal
Engine
- Engine Make
- Volvo Penta
- Engine Model
- MD22
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- 50
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Masthead Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- -
- E (Main Foot)
- -
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- -
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- -
- Forestay Length (est)
- -
- Main Sail Area
- -
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- -
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 810 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- -
Dimensions
- LOA
- 42.83 ft
- LWL
- 34.5 ft
- Beam
- 13.42 ft
- Draft
- 7.67 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 7.87 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 1