Advice

Why choose a centerboarder for bluewater cruising?

The centerboarder, a design choice long reserved for experienced sailors, is becoming a true ally for those who envision blue water cruising and unrestricted blue water cruising . Thanks to its versatility, proven stability, and ability to access unexplored areas, it stands out as a relevant solution to all the challenges of long-distance travel.

Choosing the right sailboat means first and foremost clearly defining your plans.

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When choosing a blue water cruising sailboat, every prospective buyer asks themselves: Where will I be sailing? What will my sailing schedule be like? Will I encounter very demanding weather conditions? Will I be using marinas or wild anchorages? For how long? With what crew?

These questions naturally lead to key architectural choices, including the type of hull. Among the possible solutions, the centerboarder for its adaptability and suitability for blue water cruising. That's why Allures Yachting the advantages of this configuration in this technical focus.

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The centerboarder a major asset for blue water cruising

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Highly appreciated by long-distance sailors, the centerboarder three key advantages:

Access to shallow areas: wild anchorages, shoals, drying out
Enhanced safety: consistent stability, reliable performance even when drift is detected
Comfort and stability at sea: smooth movements, moderate heeling, peaceful sailing

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Navigate freely, regardless of depth

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The main advantage of centerboarder is the freedom to sail where others cannot go. Thanks to its reduced draft, you can access:

wild anchorages and isolated shelters,
areas that are poorly mapped (corals, shoals, ice),
the possibility of voluntarily running aground for a technical inspection.

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This ability to get as close as possible to the coastline—while maintaining a safe and reliable design—is a real differentiator.

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Stability and comfort: a hull designed for serenity

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The centerboarder a higher center of gravity, offset by a generous beam and a carefully designed displacement. The result:

smooth movements,
moderate lodging,
comfort at sea and at anchor,
reassuring behavior in cross waves.

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On an Allures, the solid aluminum centerboard does not add unnecessary weight. Its stability remains constant, even with the centerboard raised or removed, which is a strong argument in the event of an incident at sea.

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Consistent performance at all speeds

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Contrary to popular belief, a centerboarder performs well:

good upwind performance, thanks to a refined centerboard profile,
best downwind speed with the centerboard raised, with less drag,
better balance of the bar, ideal for autopilot.

In severe conditions, the ability to take down the cape or flee high drift significantly improves safety: the boat can slide sideways without risking the dreaded "trip" of fixed keels.

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In conclusion: the right choice for exploring differently

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The centerboarder, as we conceive it at Allures Yachting, opens up new horizons for sailors: inaccessible areas, enhanced safety, comfortable sailing, and peace of mind in heavy weather.

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