Beneteau Figaro II Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Figaro II is a high-performance monohull characterized by its incredible directional stability, a trait essential for solo sailors managing large sail plans in heavy weather. Marc Lombard shifted away from the single-rudder configuration of the previous generation, equipping the Figaro II with twin spade rudders. This provides exceptional grip and control even when the boat is pressed hard under spinnaker, preventing the "broaching" tendencies common in older narrow-transom designs.

Technical performance is bolstered by a 7/8 fractional rig and a carbon fiber mast, which reduces weight aloft and lowers the center of gravity. One of the most significant handling features is the inclusion of lateral water ballast tanks. Each side carries roughly 220 liters (58 gallons) of water, which can be filled or emptied via an electric pump system to increase righting moment without the permanent weight penalty of a heavy keel. This allows the 3,050kg vessel to maintain a competitive sail area-to-displacement ratio in light air while staying stiff enough to handle gale-force conditions. According to technical interviews with Marc Lombard, the primary design goal was to ensure skippers could "sleep under spinnaker" with confidence in the boat's tracking ability.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Figaro II is intentionally Spartan, reflecting its professional racing pedigree. While it qualifies as an "enclosed" cabin, the living space is a utilitarian environment designed for efficiency during a multi-day offshore leg rather than coastal cruising. The layout typically features four aluminum-framed pipe berths—two on each side—which can be adjusted for heel.

The galley is minimal, consisting of a small sink and a single-burner gimbaled stove. There is a prominent, centrally located chart table that serves as the "brain" of the boat, housing the specialized NKE electronics and ballast controls common in the fleet. The forepeak is usually left open for sail storage and houses a basic marine head. Materials throughout the interior are chosen for durability and weight savings, featuring exposed infused GRP and minimal wood trim. Because the boat was built as a strict one-design for the Classe Figaro Bénéteau, there are no significant interior variations or "owner's versions" available; every unit was delivered to the same specification to ensure a level playing field.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Figaro II is the vessel that forged a generation of legendary sailors. It is the primary training ground for nearly every modern winner of the Vendée Globe, including François Gabart, Michel Desjoyeaux, and Armel Le Cléac'h. The boat’s cultural footprint is massive in France, where the Solitaire du Figaro is followed with the same fervor as the Tour de France. The boat is also featured prominently in sailing documentaries and professional racing media, often cited as the "hardest boat to win in" because the one-design rules eliminate any equipment advantage, leaving only the skill of the sailor.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers looking at the second-hand market should be aware that many Figaro IIs have lived lives of extreme intensity.

• Ballast System Maintenance: The electric pumps and valves for the water ballast are prone to wear and corrosion. Check the intake seals and ensure the transfer times between tanks meet the original specifications.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the high loads experienced during solo offshore legs, the twin rudders require frequent inspection. Play in the bearings or signs of stress cracking around the rudder ports are common "gotchas."
• Mast Step and Rigging: The carbon mast is robust, but the point where it meets the deck-stepped base should be checked for compression or hairline fractures in the gelcoat. The rod rigging, while high-performance, has a definitive service life and should be professionally surveyed if original.
• Bulkhead Attachment: Some early hulls reported minor issues with bulkhead tabbing under extreme racing loads. Inspect the interior joints for signs of movement or delamination.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and racing rules is the Classe Figaro Bénéteau, the official association that governs the one-design standards. For North American sailors, the Collegiate Offshore Sailing Circuit has historically used the Figaro II as a platform for offshore training, providing a secondary network of parts and technical knowledge.

The Verdict

The Beneteau Figaro II is not a cruiser, but it is one of the most capable and rewarding 33-foot offshore boats ever built. It offers a professional-grade racing experience for a fraction of the cost of a custom prototype.

Pros:

• Incredible directional stability due to twin rudders and Lombard hull form.
• Professional-grade carbon rig and water ballast system included as standard.
• Extremely durable construction thanks to GRP infusion.
• High resale value within the global racing community.

Cons:

• Minimalist interior is unsuitable for family cruising or extended comfort.
• Symmetrical spinnaker setup requires high skill levels for solo handling.
• The water ballast system adds mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements.