The BENTE28 is the latest BENTE model to come out of the Judel/Vrolijk design Studio. With its hard chines and trade-mark IMOCA style hard dog house or ‘Dodger’ above the coachroof the new 28 offers a clever balance between a great sailing experience and wonderful après-sail living.
RAISING THE ROOF
To simply call the dodger a hard sprayhood is doing a dis-service to the design team. Yes, the cuddy effectively protects the crew from the elements when things get gnarly, but it does much than that. The dodger creates light, space and headroom in the cabin where it is needed most – around the galley and the saloon. As BENTE like to say: ‘Why stay in a cellar when you can live in the loft?’ With great visibility to boot the plexiglass structure even allows the BENTE28 to be sailed from the comfort of the cabin!
SAILOR’S DREAM
Yet, when we first tested the BENTE28 out on the water we quickly realised that this compact yacht is about much more than comfort below deck.
This boat feels reassuringly solid underfoot when you step aboard, yet it’s quick, especially off the wind. The 28 points well, and, due to its the twin rudders, retains plenty of grip when heeled. Steering remains light whatever the conditions and the crew and helmsman can choose the comfort of the large protected cockpit benches or sit out on the generous coamings, whatever their preference. Depending on the sailing options chosen, all lines come back to the cockpit via the cuddy so that the crew can control the rig and reef in safety. In fact, this is a yacht which can easily be sailed single handed.
The smart coachroof design ensures that forward visibility is excellent. With the deck stepped mast so close to the waterline, the BENTE28 doesn’t display any of the ‘twitchy’ characteristics of other modern day yacht designs – this little yacht quickly finds a reassuring groove and stays there.
CRUISING COMFORTS BELOW DECK
Upon descending the companionway steps of the BENTE28 one is immediately struck by the feeling of space and light in the airy cabin.
There is plenty of room to manoeuvre around the galley amidships to port as well as the navigation corner and the well laid out heads compartment to starboard.
The BENTE28 sleeps 6 in comfort – there is a large v-berth in the bow, 2 saloon berths and a cosy double quarter berth to port. The generous table also seats 6 in comfort with good visibility over the water.
All this with prices starting from £111,000* Inc VAT, ex-yard.
*Exchange rate as at 1.1.2025.