September 2003: Beluga

The dutch boatyard ‘Bood Jachtbouw’ started the building of a 46ft sailing yacht, the Beluga 46 (design no. 130). This Beluga 46 is designed as a fast, comfortable long-distance cruiser. The composite hull is constructed with core-cell and glass⁄epoxy laminates inside and outside. The building method is equal as the woodcore method, but saves a lot weigh in the hull.

A retractable hydraulic keel and waterballast gives the Beluga 46 optimum sailing capacities and an almost unlimited sailing area. The keelbox is stowed away under the table. Naval architect Piet van Oossanen developed the keel concept and designed the retractable keel with a bulb and winglets. The double rudders gives the Beluga 46, with the minimum draft, optimum steering capacities.