Centurion 45 S Information, Review, Specs

The Centurion 45 S was in production from 2002 to 2007, reflecting a period when Wauquiez, a builder synonymous with quality, continued to uphold its rigorous manufacturing ethos even while under the ownership of the Beneteau Group for part of this time. Wauquiez's founding philosophy, established by Henri Wauquiez in 1965, emphasized durability, meticulous construction, and an unwavering commitment to the owner's experience.

The collaboration with Berret/Racoupeau Yacht Design for the Centurion 45 S aligns with Wauquiez's broader design philosophy of creating vessels that combine performance with sophisticated living spaces. The design goals for the 45 S clearly centered on achieving a fast, seaworthy, and comfortable yacht, capable of handling both spirited sailing and long-distance passages. While the standard version featured a deep draft, a shoal draft variant was also offered, presenting a draft of 1.95 meters (6.42 feet) with a ballast of 4000 kg (8818 lbs).

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Centurion 45 S is engineered for serious sailing, evidenced by its robust performance ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.38, she exhibits strong light-air performance, indicating her ability to move efficiently even in lighter breezes. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.367 suggests a good level of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain an upright, comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 158.01 classifies her as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented vessel, especially for a yacht of her size.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Centurion 45 S for its superb sailing performance and excellent handling characteristics. She is described as a "modern, fast, and seaworthy yacht" that performs exceptionally well upwind, often leaving other cruiser/racers in her wake, a testament to her powerful rig and finely tuned hull design. Her hull speed is calculated at 8.51 knots. The yacht is configured to achieve an ideal balance between exhilarating sailing and comfortable cruising, proving her versatility for both racing and extended voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Centurion 45 S reflects Wauquiez's reputation for refined and comfortable living spaces. While specific headroom varies, the focus is on a spacious and bright ambiance, a hallmark of Wauquiez designs. The typical layout features a three-cabin, two-head configuration, providing ample accommodation for owners and guests.

The master cabin is positioned forward, offering a private retreat, while two generous double cabins are located aft. The interior joinery is crafted from high-quality teak, often Burmese teak, complemented by vinyl and teak deck finishing and curtains, creating a warm and traditional yachting atmosphere. Wauquiez's commitment to high-grade materials and meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the accommodations, providing a luxurious and functional environment for long passages and extended stays aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Centurion 45 S frequently express a strong sense of satisfaction with their yachts. The community surrounding Wauquiez yachts, fostered by organizations like "Wauquiez Owners Info" and "Wauquiez Forever," highlights the enduring passion and shared experiences among owners. Owners consistently praise the Centurion 45 S for its robust construction, excellent sailing performance, and the comfortable, well-appointed interiors that make extended cruising a pleasure. The general sentiment is that these yachts are well-built and well-cared for, often undergoing careful maintenance and upgrades by their owners.