CNB 117 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the CNB 117 are defined by its Philippe Briand hull, which features a balanced, powerful volume designed for high stability and minimal drag. According to technical assessments by Boat International, the vessel was engineered with a sophisticated lifting keel, which significantly enhances its performance profile. With the keel fully extended to nearly 5 meters, the boat exhibits exceptional upwind tracking and reduced leeway; conversely, the ability to retract the keel to roughly 3.5 meters allows the 117 to enter shallower Mediterranean anchorages that are typically off-limits to yachts of this scale.

Handling is facilitated by a high-modulus carbon fiber rig and a park-avenue boom, often paired with a captive winch system that allows the helmsman to control the massive sail area with push-button precision. Owner anecdotes and sea trials suggest that despite its 100-plus-ton displacement, the boat feels remarkably light on the helm, behaving more like a large dinghy than a traditional heavy-displacement cruiser. The use of a twin-rudder configuration on certain Briand designs of this era ensures that the yacht maintains grip and control even when pressed hard at high heel angles, a critical feature for a yacht intended for both offshore passages and coastal racing.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the CNB 117, most notably executed by Winch Design, reflects a "Zen-like" contemporary aesthetic that maximizes the sense of volume provided by the wide beam. The layout is typically centered around a split-level raised saloon, which provides panoramic views through the iconic wraparound coachroof windows—a precursor to the design language seen in the later Bordeaux 60. This elevated seating area allows for a bright, airy social hub while tucking the technical spaces and engine room beneath the floorboards to optimize the center of gravity.

Accommodations are generally configured to house eight to ten guests across four or five cabins, with the master suite located forward for maximum privacy and quiet away from the machinery spaces and aft crew quarters. A hallmark of the CNB 117 is the "open-plan" feeling achieved through the use of light-colored woods, such as limed oak or sycamore, and integrated lighting. Because these were custom builds, variations exist; for instance, while Hamilton II emphasized a minimalist luxury, other iterations on similar Briand 35m hulls may feature more traditional cabinetry or modified crew galley locations to suit specific charter requirements.

Popular Mentions & Media

The CNB 117 Hamilton II has enjoyed significant media coverage as a flagship for the yard's technical prowess, frequently appearing in retrospectives regarding the evolution of carbon-composite superyachts. The yacht has been a regular fixture in the Mediterranean regatta circuit, including the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, where it demonstrated the competitive edge of the Briand hull against more modern designs. Its presence in high-end yachting publications like Yacht Capital and Boat International has solidified its status as a "modern classic" that successfully integrated automated sailing technology with high-fashion interior design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a vessel of the CNB 117's complexity requires a specialized survey focusing on large-scale composite structures and hydraulic systems. Potential buyers should investigate the following:

• Hydraulic System Integrity: The lifting keel and captive winches rely on a massive, complex hydraulic network. Periodic laboratory analysis of the hydraulic fluid and inspection of the keel’s rams and locking pins are essential, as repairs to these custom components can be exceptionally costly.
• Composite Delamination: Given the carbon-reinforced sandwich construction, a full ultrasonic hull scan is recommended to ensure no moisture ingress or delamination has occurred, particularly around high-load areas like the chainplates and the keel trunk.
• PLC and Automation Systems: The yacht utilizes Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for managing everything from lighting to sail handling. As these systems age, finding replacement modules and technicians capable of programming legacy software can be challenging.
• Rigging Life Cycles: Carbon fiber masts require specialized NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) every five to ten years. Prospective buyers must verify the last "Level B" or "Level C" service on the rig and the standing rigging (often solid rod or carbon).

Community & Resources

While there is no formal "117 Owners Club" due to the limited number of hulls produced, owners and captains typically coordinate through the CNB technical office now managed under the Solaris Yachts umbrella. The Philippe Briand Design office remains a primary resource for original naval architecture plans and performance optimization data. For technical support regarding the interior and custom fit-outs, the Winch Design archives serve as the definitive source for material specifications and layout modifications.

The Verdict

The CNB 117 is a sophisticated, high-performance masterpiece that caters to the sailor who demands both speed and "superyacht" levels of finish. It is a vessel that requires professional crew and a significant maintenance budget, but in return, it offers a sailing experience that few modern production yachts can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional Versatility: The lifting keel provides deep-draft performance with shallow-draft accessibility.
• Advanced Construction: Carbon-reinforced hull offers a stiff, light, and responsive feel.
• Timeless Design: The Briand/Winch collaboration remains aesthetically relevant decades after launch.

Cons:

• System Complexity: High reliance on custom hydraulics and PLC electronics requires specialized maintenance.
• Operational Costs: Requires a professional crew (typically 4–5) to manage systems and sail plan safely.
• Availability: As a limited custom series, these yachts rarely enter the brokerage market.