Beneteau Figaro

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cmedsailor

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Has anybody ever sailed one of these little rockets? I was watching some videos in youtube and they seem really exciting. I am wondering if they can be used as fast cruisers too (for a couple say or 2-3 persons maximum obviously) or they are pure racing machines.
 
I raced on Figaros when I lived in France and they would be fine for cruising. I understand some have been stripped out, or were never fully fitted out but the ones I went on had a basic fit out. I don't have any experience of the later Figaro 2 which I think are more out and out racers. If you are thinking of buying a Figaro 1 look very carefully as most have had a hard life.
Allan
 
cmedsailor said:
No I am not. I will stick with my cruiser! But I must admit after watching a video with one of these little rockets flying in 40 knots of wind.....oh boy. Like a miniature of Volvo Ocean racing machine. AMAZING.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_ExqQ80T5g
Click to expand...

[Pedant mode/] That's a Figaro 2. [/Pedant mode]

The Figaro 2 is a much faster machine than the original. I've not sailed one, but I have been aboard and it wouldn't be my choice of cruising boat.... Not saying it's impossible, but would be a very rudimentary style of cruising.

Class 40s were orignally supposed to be cruiser/racers, and I think some were built with that in mind before the class became so sucessful and focussed on long distance short handed racing. To me, that's the way to go. Fast, simple accomodation and fun! Can't get in everywhere, but it doesn't matter as much when your effective range is so much increased. But the figaros might be just a step too far...
 
cmedsailor said:
No I am not. I will stick with my cruiser! But I must admit after watching a video with one of these little rockets flying in 40 knots of wind.....oh boy. Like a miniature of Volvo Ocean racing machine. AMAZING.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_ExqQ80T5g
Click to expand...

I was more or less expecting this when the guy went forward to hoist the spinnaker.He wouldn't have gone any faster with it on in those conditions anyway.
broach.jpg
 
cmedsailor said:
No I am not. I will stick with my cruiser! But I must admit after watching a video with one of these little rockets flying in 40 knots of wind.....oh boy. Like a miniature of Volvo Ocean racing machine. AMAZING.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_ExqQ80T5g
Click to expand...

I think it is the Figaro 2 in the video. Much wider stern that the 1 and I don't think the 1 had twin rudders.
 
Boo2 said:
Amazing indeed. What's that he's wearing on his wrist btw ?

Boo2
Click to expand...

At first look I assumed it was a race timer or GPS but it could also be a remote for the autopilot. The Figaro 1s had a remote which was worn around the neck but a wrist mounted one would make sense.
Allan
 
cmedsailor said:
Has anybody ever sailed one of these little rockets? I was watching some videos in youtube and they seem really exciting. I am wondering if they can be used as fast cruisers too (for a couple say or 2-3 persons maximum obviously) or they are pure racing machines.
Click to expand...

The hull of the Figaro 1 is the same as the First 310, 31.7, and the Oceanis 311 and maybe the 320 - all with different freeboard and different deck mouldings.

VERY nearly bought one instead of the present First 310 but sensible head prevailed. They are quite low (5' 9" max), and very spartan inside, no galley, no forepeak sleeping, (its a sail store and heads) and 4 ally framed canvas berths in the quarters, no lockers etc etc.

BTW the one in the video is a Figaro 2.
 
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