Forward Thinking
twin helms, affixed to a pair of rudders, are within easy reach of a pedestal just forward of the wheels that control the headsail sheets via a set of Lewmar winches. The walk-through transom leads to a built-in swimming/boarding platform. The underbody of the boat we inspected had the standard skeg/centerboard configuration, though a ballasted swing keel is also an option.
Down below, there are three accommodations layouts from which to choose (basically, you can go with two or three cabins, and one or two heads). Our test boat was a two-cabin model with a large single head to port of the companionway. Aft of the head was the aforementioned technical room (you could also opt for bunk beds instead), which was really terrific. It’s a place to work and store tools that are going to get oily and messy while separating them from the other living spaces. The generator also lives there, and there’s even room for a washing machine should you so desire.
Stepping down below, you are greeted by an interior layout that belies the workmanlike appearance of the robust topside. In other words, it doesn’t look like an expedition boat but rather a contemporary cruising boat with accouterments that wouldn’t feel out of place on a modern, French production model from builders such as The outboard shrouds on the wide side decks allow easy egress when moving forward or aft. The faux teak decks are fashioned from a product called Marinedeck that looks good and provides an excellent nonskid surface. Beneteau, Jeanneau or Dufour.
In the main saloon, to port is the straight-line galley; the back of a long, amidships settee provides support for the cook when working at sea. To starboard is a raised navigation station (something you see less and less of on new boats) with seats both fore and aft of it. A large L-shaped settee is forward of the nav table, with a drop-down table that allows for a giant double berth in its lowered position. All three versions include a luxurious forward stateroom, with or without an adjacent head.
The construction of the Allures 45.9 is straightforward: The hull and transom are welded aluminum, while the deck and coachroof are fiberglass with a foam core. Down below, for sound and weather insulation, the hull is insulated foam with neoprene.
We sailed the boat in rather disappointing conditions on Chesapeake Bay, with winds that hovered in the 5-knot range. Surprisingly, even in the light airs, the Allures ghosted along at better than 3 knots. The centerboard is a neat feature because it provides a bite to windward when lowered but can also be raised when reaching or running off the breeze. And, of course, it allows access to shallow anchorages that are out of bounds to other boats of this size.
The Allures 45.9 is imported into the U.S. market through a sole distributor, Swiftsure Yachts, based in Seattle. But the sales reps at Swiftsure say most new owners take delivery of the boat in France, cruise the canals and coastline, then sail across the English Channel to Great Britain, where it can be loaded on a ship to cross the Atlantic in less than a week.
That sounds like a pretty good plan to me. Though, of course, you could also opt to sail the boat home as well. The Allures 45.9 can handle whatever comes its way with style and aplomb.
Herb Mccormick is CW’S executive editor.