Blue water vs coastal waters. This seems to be an old question which devides the camp mostly around traditional,(old) and non-draditional (modern) lines. When critics make their comments condemming a particular model or mark they avoid or are unable to provide a basis for their opinion, ie hull thickness, materials, workmanship or some standard to which the vessel is made or not. In France, for example, Beneteaus are manufactured to a government standard, Bureau Veritas. Each boat is individually certified to that standard. There are other issues aside from those which validate that the vessel is made to the adherance of some standard attesting to the riggors the vessel may endure. Ultimately the skipper must have confidence in the vessel and the preparation for the intended use. These may include more significant and practical issues such as: tankage, emergency equipment, weather prediction, sailing skills, ground tackle, technical know-how etc, etc. We bought new, commissioned and equipped our Beneteau 40CC. We know the boat from the inside out. I am confident the boat can take us confortably to any destination my skills and preparation will allow. JP