Beneteau Blues
Dear Rob, I do not have an answer to your difficult question but I am in a similar dilemma. I live in Hong Kong and am in the market for a secondhand cruiser. The market in Hong Kong is quite limited so the choice is a far cry from the UK. I am currently considering the purchase of a 1998 Oceanis 381 which I believe is the predecessor to the 393. I am looking for a cruiser which will hold its own in a cruiser racing fleet as well as providing the space for comfortable overnighting and space in the cockpit for a generous G and T. I guess the hallmark of the Oceanis range has been comfortable cruising and space for the charter market but the later boats do seem to have put right some of the earlier sailing performance criticisms. I have currently been asking for comments, albeit on the 381, and the response is generally favourable. Yachting Monthly did a report on the 393 in the June 2001 issue and seemed to conclude that the performance was good but more suited to warmer climates with the generous cockpit. The fixed table has gone which gives more cockpit room when underway. I reckon you could do a lot worse and the photos look good. I am told by one of my respondents that two 381's have just completed the ARC Portugal to Carribean so there is a pedigree for your plans. Look forward hearing from you to see if we can both make the right decision. Regards Barry Hill
