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Sailboat Specifications

Beneteau 461

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Bulb & Spade Rudder

Designed by Bruce Farr & Armel Briand · Built by Beneteau · First built 1996

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LOA 46.59 ft  ·  Beam 13.95 ft  ·  Displacement 20,944.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 832  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Bulb & Spade Rudder
About the Beneteau 461 Sailboat

Among Beneteau's acclaimed cruising lineup, the 461 represents the French builder's commitment to blending performance with comfort for serious blue-water sailing. This mid-sized cruiser emerged during an era when Beneteau was refining its approach to offshore-capable designs, incorporating lessons learned from both racing programs and real-world cruising feedback. Built for extended coastal and offshore passages, the 461 showcases typical Beneteau characteristics including a spacious cockpit designed for easy sail handling and comfortable living spaces below. The design emphasizes the balance between sailing performance and livability that has made Beneteau a popular choice among cruising sailors worldwide. The boat's hull form and rigging configuration suggest capability in varied conditions, from light coastal breezes to more demanding offshore scenarios. Like other Beneteau models of this era, the 461 likely features practical deck layouts that facilitate short-handed sailing while maintaining the interior volume that makes extended cruising comfortable. For sailors seeking a proven platform capable of both weekend coastal adventures and longer passages, the 461 represents Beneteau's understanding of what serious cruising sailors require in a mid-sized package.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 46.59 ft / 14.20 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 39.37 ft / 12.00 m
Beam 13.95 ft / 4.25 m
Max Draft 5.74 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 20,944.00 lb / 9,500 kg
Ballast 7,496.00 lb / 3,400 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 832
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Farr & Armel Briand
Builder Beneteau
First Built 1996
Last Built 2001
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Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 53 gals / 201 L
Water Capacity 145 gals / 549 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Beneteau 461's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Beneteau 461 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.59. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Beneteau 461's comfort ratio?

The Beneteau 461 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 23.3. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Beneteau 461 safe for offshore sailing?

The Beneteau 461 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.03. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Beneteau 461?

The theoretical hull speed of the Beneteau 461 is 8.41 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Beneteau 461 weigh?

The Beneteau 461 has a displacement of 20,944.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 46.59 ft.

Who designed the Beneteau 461?

The Beneteau 461 was designed by Bruce Farr & Armel Briand, first built in 1996.