Althea was built during a time when boat builders, especially Beneteau, prided themselves on rich, warm all wood interiors.  This Oceanis 381 is the preferred 2 Cabin 1 Head version with an L shaped galley.  Her layout is similar to her smaller sister, the very popular 361, but with much needed additional space especially in the forward cabin.

The key defining feature of the Berret-Racoupeau designed Oceanis 381 is it’s generous beam, which is carried well aft. This design provides a tremendous amount of interior volume rivaling many 40 footers and significant form stability.  For the sailor this means the boat stays flatter longer in building breezes which makes life onboard more comfortable under sail.  

Beneteau’s choice of monolithic GRP for the hull material is a testament their practical approach to maintenance and safety.  Unlike sandwich constructions that can suffer from core delamination if water enters the laminate, the solid glass hull of the 382 is remarkable durable and relatively easy to repair.  This type of construction gives a sense of security offshore and the monolithic layup is less prone to structural fatigue.

Althea is currently in the water in Stamford CT and can be seen by appointment.