Design and Construction
The Allures 44 reflects the yard’s hybrid approach to construction: a welded aluminium hull topped by a vacuum-infused composite deck. The deck material affects both weight distribution and insulation.
Within a displacement of 23,150 pounds, the boat carries roughly 9,260 pounds of lead ballast, giving her a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 40 percent. Her length-to-beam ratio is 3.20, and the specification record gives a displacement-to-length ratio of 185.5. A separate database assessment calculates the DL-ratio at 128 and places the boat among “light racers.” The difference is a reminder that published ratios vary according to the method used; in practice, her feel is that of a loaded cruiser rather than a lightweight racer.
The wetted surface is about 656 square feet. The Allures 44 also carries CE Class A (Ocean) certification, indicating that she was designed for extended voyages in severe conditions.
Keel Options and Draft
Owners could choose between fin-keel and centreboard versions. With the fin keel, draft runs about 6.2 to 6.5 feet depending on load, limiting the boat to major marinas. The centreboard version draws just 3.2 to 3.5 feet, allowing access to even shallow marinas and to anchorages that fin-keel sisterships can’t reach.
The choice lets an owner favor either upwind grip and stability or greater gunkholing range. In particular, the centreboard model extends the boat’s cruising ground well beyond the usual limits for a 44-footer.
Rig, Sail Plan, and Performance Figures
The Allures 44 has a fractional rig, with fully documented dimensions for the standing and running rigging. The mainsail, jib-genoa, and spinnaker halyards are each 135.5 feet long and 14 mm in diameter. The 16 mm sheets range from 44.6 feet for the genoa or jib to 111.5 feet for the mainsheet.
Her sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 18.2 using the ISO reference sail and 21.3 with a 135 percent genoa. Calculated maximum speed is about 7.5 knots, compared with a theoretical displacement-hull speed of 8.8 knots for her length.
The capsize screening value is 1.96, a figure used in one formula to gauge ocean suitability. Her Motion Comfort Ratio is 24.3, and the immersion rate is about 2,099 pounds per inch.
Accommodations and Layout
Franck Darnet is credited with the interior design, although no room-by-room description of the Allures 44’s accommodations has been published. Nor is there published detail on berths. What is clear is that the boat was conceived as an ocean-class cruiser, with the centreboard version adding access to shallow anchorages beyond the reach of fin-keel sisters.
The Verdict
The Allures 44 is a thoughtfully conceived ocean cruiser, and her centreboard option distinguishes her from most 44-foot production boats. The aluminium hull and CE Class A certification reflect serious voyaging intent, while the fin-keel alternative suits sailors who value deeper draft and simpler ground tackle.
Despite one ratio-based “light racer” label, she is better understood as a well-found, loaded cruiser. Her documented rigging specifications are useful for replacement work, and the shallow-draft version genuinely expands the range of places where she can lie.
Pros
- Centreboard version draws just 3.2–3.5 ft, opening up shallow marinas and anchorages
- Aluminium hull with CE Class A (Ocean) certification
- Full fractional-rig dimension record for easy rigging replacement
- Fin-keel option offers 6.2–6.5 ft draft and stronger windward performance
Cons
- Fin-keel draft limits marina access to major ports
- Published ratios conflict over whether she should be classed as a light racer or a loaded cruiser
- No published interior layout or berth details
