Bestevaer 45 Pure
PRICE £400,000 YEAR 2015-present
Not dissimilar to the Exploration, the Bestevaer Pure has slightly more of a motorsailer look about her due to her tall, square pilothouse, but is every inch a sailing boat. Dutch builder KM specialises in aluminium yachts, which are fabricated in its yard from Cnc-cut components. The hull plates vary from 6-12mm thick below the waterline and 5-6mm above.
The fuel (580L) and water (460L) tanks are welded into the hull, below the floors and above the keel, and she has watertight bulkheads fitted fore and aft.
She can be supplied with a fixed, deep fin keel and single rudder or a lead-ballasted swing-keel that remains proud of the hull when retracted. The latter can take the ground, though, safely resting on the keel and twin rudders.
Like the Garcia, the after end of the Bestevaer’s pilothouse roof extends back a half-metre over the cockpit to offer shelter to the on-watch crew. Although this can be a head-banger if not paying attention, the stout handrails surrounding it are a boon. Owners can opt for wheel or tiller steering – the latter being long enough to allow the helmsman to shelter under the overhang.
Stowage for deck gear and large LPG canisters is very good, with two full-depth locks beneath the cockpit seating and cave lockers all around. There’s also a huge and useful sail locker forward.
Deep bulwarks and stout metal handrails assist with getting about safely and numerous chunky samson posts welded to the deck act as cleats.
She has a deck-stepped, twin spreader mast and a 9/10ths fractional rig. Sail plan options are varied, but most popular is a slutter rig with twin headstays and runners. She also has a retractable bowsprit for downwind sails.
Under sail she’s not the quickest, but then again it takes a serious sea to impede her progress. Her rounded bilges don’t create as much form stability as a multichined hull, but twin rudders ensure she doesn’t gripe up when over-pressed. Steering is light and balanced.
It’s one step down into the pilothouse, which boasts two short bench seats, a small flat surface for charts and a great all-round view. Two steps further down and the saloon is a little rudimentary, although fit-out is high quality and everything looks built to last. Portlights are small, but the interior is brightened up by light woodwork and white headlining and hull sides. The J-shaped galley is well-appointed and safe to use at sea, while opposite the heads could be bigger and a separate shower stall would be a nice addition.
Sleeping accommodation is spacious, although headroom is limited in the aft cabins. Strangely, there’s no proper chart table as is, but clients can request limited customisation. Stowage is good all round.