Design & Construction
Dubois drew a modern GRP hull with a 16-foot 5-inch beam and a deep fin keel drawing nearly nine feet, paired with a spade rudder mounted clear of the keel for a responsive helm. The cutter rig divides the sail area between a mainsail, a staysail, and a headsail, giving the crew versatile sail combinations for changing weather. With a displacement of 21,500 kg and a ballast ratio of 34.2 percent, the Centurion 59 carries enough weight alow to stand up to a breeze, though the relatively modest ballast figure means she is not the stiffest boat in her size range.
Performance Under Sail
A sail area/displacement ratio of 20.7 places the Centurion 59 firmly in the relatively high-performance sailboats category. In practice, that translates to brisk, rewarding sailing in moderate to fresh conditions, with the boat feeling lively rather than over-canvassed. The moderate displacement/length ratio of 211.9 helps her reach hull speed without needing excessive sail area, and the easily driven hull slips along nicely in lighter airs.
Bluewater Credentials
For offshore passagemaking, the numbers are reassuring. The capsize screening formula returns a value of 1.7, which indicates the Centurion 59 is well-suited for bluewater sailing and carries a reduced risk of capsize in rough seas. The comfort ratio of 39.4 puts it in the moderate bluewater camp—not as cushy as an old-fashioned heavy-displacement design, but still capable of delivering a reasonable motion in a seaway. The fin keel configuration means ballast placement, not just the ballast ratio, plays a role in overall stiffness—a nuance the raw numbers don't fully capture.
What the Numbers Don't Tell You
Design ratios offer a useful shorthand, but they have their limits. The Centurion 59's ballast ratio of 34.2, for instance, says nothing about how or where that ballast is carried, a factor that can matter as much as the raw percentage for actual stiffness. Similarly, the comfort ratio—formulated in an era of narrower, heavier vessels—may underrate the motion of a modern beamy hull that still possesses ample displacement. The cutter rig, while versatile, demands a little more sail handling effort than a simple sloop, but the payoff is a sail plan that can be reefed down incrementally without ever feeling unbalanced. Potential buyers should also be aware that the spade rudder, while giving superb steering response, leaves the blade exposed and merits careful inspection of the bearing and stock.
The Verdict
The Centurion 59 remains a compelling choice for the cruising sailor who wants a big, fast, and handsome yacht with genuine ocean-going ability and a dash of French flair. Its limited production run ensures rarity, while the Dubois pedigree delivers a hull that is both swift and sea-kindly. She will reward an owner who appreciates an active sailing experience and is prepared to look after a thoroughbred.
Pros
- High-performance sail area/displacement ratio makes her quick and responsive
- Low capsize screening value inspires confidence offshore
- Moderate displacement balances comfort with easily driven hull speed
- Quality Wauquiez construction and timeless Dubois lines
- Cutter rig offers great sail-plan versatility for shorthanded or heavy-weather sailing
Cons
- Only 22 built, so finding one requires patience and travel
- Moderate ballast ratio means she is not as stiff as some dedicated bluewater designs
- Deep draft restricts access to shallow anchorages and marinas
- Spade rudder demands vigilant maintenance and pre-purchase survey attention
