Design and Construction
Marc Lombard's hull measures 10.15 meters overall with a 9.82 meter waterline and a beam of 3.43 meters. The hull and deck are glass-reinforced polyester with a PVC foam core, and the underwater profile pairs a modern fin keel with a spade rudder for excellent maneuverability anchor. Lombard's hull design emphasizes a balance between speed, stability, and seaworthiness, and the structure was laid out with offshore safety in mind, featuring strong structural integrity and a practical deck plan for handling in challenging conditions. A self-draining cockpit and secure handholds round out the deck safety picture, making the boat a trustworthy vessel when the weather turns.
Rig and Handling
The Figaro II carries a fractional sloop rig designed for easy handling by one or two sailors, with all sail controls efficiently led aft to the cockpit so the crew can trim without leaving the helm. Rigging and sail systems are optimized for quick reefing and adjustments, which is exactly what a solo sailor needs when a squall lines up. On the water the boat is known for strong upwind performance and good pointing ability, and it accelerates quickly while keeping control in rough seas. The hull shape and keel design provide a stable and balanced ride that matters when one person is managing everything alone. It lacks the foiling technology of newer designs, but its classic, well-tuned performance remains competitive on offshore circuits.
Accommodations
This is a race-focused boat with a spartan interior built for functionality rather than comfort. The layout offers basic accommodations suited to short-term offshore campaigns — minimal sleeping quarters, a small galley, and essential storage — and the whole interior focuses on optimizing weight and space for racing efficiency, so long-term cruising comfort is limited. Buyers coming from cruising designs should understand that the Figaro II gives up liveaboard ease in exchange for the stripped, purposeful interior that solo racing demands.
The Verdict
The Beneteau Figaro II is a purpose-built one-design racer that rewards the short-handed sailor with responsive handling, a safe deck, and a competitive legacy in classic offshore racing. It is not a cruiser and does not pretend to be one; its value lies in the purity of its brief and the discipline of its execution.
Pros
- Designed from the sailor up for solo and double-handed offshore racing
- Fin keel and spade rudder deliver excellent maneuverability and balance
- Self-draining cockpit, secure handholds, and strong structure for offshore safety
- Fractional rig with controls led aft makes single-handed trim practical
Cons
- Spartan interior with minimal galley and sleeping space limits cruising use
- No foiling or newer performance technology found in later designs
