The Beneteau 45 does very well, even in 18 knots of breeze without a reef. The boat accelerates and reaches max hull speed without sacrificing stability and comfort. It features a well-balanced helm and hard chine, making it a perfect vessel for the exciting swell of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the Beneteau 45s in the SailTime Orange County fleet has a Code Zero, a cross between a genoa and an asymmetrical spinnaker, that is used for sailing close to the wind in light air. The Code Zero has the same sail area as the main and jib combined. So, if you find yourself on a beam or broad reach with light wind, just roll out the Code Zero and you don’t need the engine to get back to the base. This is a must for a Beneteau 45 when sailing anywhere with light winds to save hours on the motor and enjoy sailing more often.
There is nothing more relaxing than a leisurely weekend aboard the Beneteau 45. Every August, SailTime Orange County partners with Beneteau to host our three-day Rendezvous aboard the boats at Catalina Island. We take our Beneteau 45s because they feature three cabins, two heads and a convertible salon table that drops to form a berth. There is plenty of room for a family to sleep, as the beds are quite large and comfortable. The forward cabin is the master, which has an en-suite head and shower. With both sides of the island bed being open, it actually feels less like camping because you don’t have to crawl over your partner to get out of bed.
We spend most of our time in the cockpit, either enjoying a margarita while listening to Jimmy Buffett or just catching some warm rays while enjoying the views of Catalina Island. The cockpit becomes even larger on the Beneteau 45 when you drop the transom. It is particularly enjoyable when we are on a mooring or at anchor. It really opens up the boat and is low to the water, so it makes it easy to hop on and off the dinghy.
Investing in a nice custom dodger, bimini and connector for the Beneteau 45 is also a smart option. It provides shade on those intensely sunny days. The connector can be removed in 30 seconds when you want more sun or are ready to sail.
The Beneteau 45 is a smart choice for a sailing yacht that combines performance with comfort. We at SailTime Orange County highly recommend this model for anyone considering a boat in this size-range.
Texas
1500 Marina Bay Dr, Pier 11 Building 122, Ste B
Kemah, TX 77565
