The Beneteau Escapade, introduced in 1976, is a classic French cruising sailboat designed by André Bénéteau. As part of Beneteau’s early range of family-oriented cruisers, the Escapade was crafted for comfort, stability, and ease of handling, making it an ideal choice for leisurely coastal voyages.
Design and Construction
The Escapade features a traditional monohull design with a long keel, providing excellent directional stability. Constructed predominantly of fiberglass with wood trim, the boat measures 26.25 feet (8.00 meters) in length overall, with a beam of 9.51 feet (2.90 meters) and a draft of 4.10 feet (1.25 meters). The hull’s displacement is approximately 9,480 pounds (4,300 kilograms), with a ballast of 3,086 pounds (1,400 kilograms), contributing to its sturdy and stable nature.
The cutter rig, complete with a bowsprit, supports a sail area of around 703 square feet (65.31 square meters), including a mainsail of 170 square feet (15.79 square meters) and a headsail of 226 square feet (20.99 square meters). This rig configuration offers versatility and balance, particularly beneficial for long-distance cruising.
Performance
Designed for steady cruising rather than racing, the Escapade’s long keel and substantial displacement ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, especially in choppy conditions. While not particularly fast, with a theoretical hull speed of approximately 6.2 knots, the boat’s design prioritizes safety and comfort over speed.
The cutter rig allows for flexible sail configurations, making it easier to manage in varying wind conditions. However, the boat may require additional sail area or auxiliary power in light wind scenarios due to its heavier build.
Comfort and Accommodations
The Escapade is thoughtfully designed to accommodate up to five people, making it suitable for family cruising. The interior layout includes a forward “V”-berth, a convertible dinette in the main salon, and a quarter berth on the starboard side. The galley, located on the starboard side of the main salon, is equipped with a two-burner stove, an icebox, and a sink, providing essential amenities for extended voyages. A sliding chart table is situated aft of the galley, and the head is conveniently located just aft of the bow cabin.
With a fuel capacity of 22 gallons (83 liters) and a freshwater tank holding 53 gallons (201 liters), the Escapade is well-suited for longer trips without frequent resupply stops.
Safety and Practicality
The long keel design not only contributes to the boat’s stability but also enhances its ability to track straight, reducing the need for constant steering adjustments. The keel-mounted rudder, controlled by a tiller, offers simplicity and reliability. The boat’s capsize screening formula of 1.80 indicates good offshore capability, suggesting that it can handle rough sea conditions safely.
The Escapade’s construction and design choices reflect a focus on safety and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for sailors seeking a dependable cruising vessel.
Conclusion
The Beneteau Escapade stands as a testament to classic cruising design, offering a blend of comfort, safety, and traditional aesthetics. While it may not boast high speeds or modern styling, its solid construction, thoughtful accommodations, and reliable performance make it a worthy choice for those seeking a dependable and charming cruising sailboat.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Long Keel |
| Rigging Type | Cutter |
| LOA | 26.25 ft / 8.00 m |
| LWL | 21.65 ft / 6.60 m |
| S.A. (reported) | 277.00 ft² / 25.73 m² |
| Beam | 9.51 ft / 2.90 m |
| Displacement | 9,480.00 lb / 4,300 kg |
| Ballast | 3,086.00 lb / 1,400 kg |
| Max Draft | 4.10 ft / 1.25 m |
| Construction | FG |
| First Built | 1976 |
| Builder | Beneteau (FRA) |
| Designer | Andre Beneteau |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (original equipment) | |
| Type | Diesel |
| HP | 10 |
| Fuel | 22 gals / 83 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water | 53 gals / 201 L |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ. | 9.93 |
| Bal. / Displ. | 32.55 |
| Disp. / Len. | 417.05 |
| Comfort Ratio | 31.67 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 1.80 |
| Hull Speed | 6.23 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 735.67 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| Mast Height from DWL | 39.21 ft / 11.95 m |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau Escapade sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.