opposite. Even with the wide bench seat however, only four adults can be accommodated for dinner comfortably. No worries though, there is more room in the cockpit and besides, four is about all I'd want to feed anyway. The galley is straight-ish, (although Beneteau calls it C-shaped) and to starboard. It has a two-burner Eno stove, a top and side-loading fridge, a double sink and some stowage space. This area is my only gripe below. There will be no cooking or dishwashing happening underway on a starboard tack as there is nothing to brace yourself on. Furthermore, there is an awkward empty space between the compression post and the sink. It seems they could have added a cabinet that would both expand the storage and provide a bracing point. Overhead in the saloon is a large hatch with two small opening wing hatches on either side. Fixed hull ports also add light. Two finishes are available - walnut or white oak and the interior styling is by Italian Nauta Design. It is contemporary Euro styling which we've come to expect on Beneteau's designs. The transom creates a substantial swim platform that extends the social area and provides excellent access to the water. Few boats today have a dedicated nav desk, but the Oceanis 40.1 included one which shares the seat with the end of the settee. The master stateroom is a posh affair. If you leave out the optional forward head, there's plenty of room to get dressed or lounge about. Beneteau kept the spaces open and the surfaces light so this boat seems much bigger than its 40 feet suggest. The integrated bowsprit keeps the anchor neatly tucked below to keep mud and seaweed from ending up on deck. 46 CANADIAN YACHTING | APRIL 2021