Sol Mates

Cruiser-Racer Sol Mates

The Beneteau 361 is a well-regarded 36-foot cruising sailboat designed for comfort, performance, and ease of handling—ideal for coastal cruising and weekend getaways or even extended liveaboard adventures. First introduced in the late 1990s (1997–2003), the Oceanis 361 was designed by world-renowned naval architect  Berret-Racoupeau.

**Hull & Deck**

Built with a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck for stiffness without excess weight, the Oceanis 361 features a moderate displacement hull with a fin keel and spade rudder, offering a balanced blend of stability and responsiveness. A generous beam carried well aft provides exceptional interior volume, while the moderate freeboard ensures a clean, classic profile.

**Sail Plan & Handling**

The boat comes with a masthead sloop rig, equipped with in-mast furling for simplified sail management. The standard sail area provides good performance in a range of conditions, and the well-laid-out deck features wide side decks, ergonomic cockpit seating, and easy access to control lines which are all led aft to the cockpit for safe, short-handed sailing.

**Interior Layout**

Below deck, the Oceanis 361 offers a surprisingly spacious interior for its size. With a two-cabin layout with a V-berth forward, an aft owner’s cabin, and a roomy main salon with a U-shaped galley to and a forward facing navigation station both to port. A well-appointed head with separate shower to starboard adds to onboard comfort. The warm cherry wood finish, ample natural light from numerous opening ports and hatches, and thoughtful storage solutions make the interior both inviting and practical.

**Performance & Seakeeping**

While not a pure racer, the Oceanis 361 sails capably and comfortably, tracking well in moderate seas and offering forgiving handling—a testament to Beneteau’s focus on user-friendly cruising. Its moderate sail plan and manageable size make it suitable for couples or small families, and many owners report reliable passages and satisfying performance in real-world conditions.

Overall, the Beneteau Oceanis 361 stands out as a versatile, well-built cruiser that balances comfort, seaworthiness, and ease of use—making it a popular choice on the used boat market and a favorite among sailors seeking dependable performance without sacrificing liveaboard amenities.