The BENTE28 is the latest BENTE model to come out of the Judel/Vrolijk design studio. With its hard chines and trade-mark IMOCA style ‘Dodger’ above the coachroof the new 28 offers a clever balance between a great sailing experience and wonderful après-sail living.

RAISING THE ROOFTo simply call the dodger a hard sprayhood is doing a disservice to the design team. Yes, the cuddy effectively protects the crew from the elements when things get gnarly, but it does much than that. The dodger creates light, space and headroom in the cabin where it is needed most – around the galley and the saloon. As BENTE like to say: ‘Why stay in a cellar when you can live in the loft?’ With great visibility to boot, the plexiglass structure even allows the BENTE28 to be sailed from the comfort of the cabin! There is plenty of room to manoeuvre around the galley amidships to port as well as the navigation corner and the well-laid-out heads compartment to starboard. The BENTE28 sleeps 6 in comfort – there is a large v-berth in the bow, 2 saloon berths and a cosy double quarter berth to port. The generous table also seats 6 in comfort with good visibility over the water.

POCKET ROCKETThis boat feels reassuringly solid underfoot when you step aboard, yet it’s quick, especially off the wind. The 28 points well, and, due to its twin rudders, retains plenty of grip when heeled. Steering remains light whatever the conditions and the crew and helmsman can choose the comfort of the large protected cockpit benches or sit out on the generous coamings, whatever their preference. Depending on the sailing options chosen, all lines come back to the cockpit via the cuddy so that the crew can control the rig and reef in safety. In fact, this is a yacht which can easily be sailed single handed. With the deck stepped mast so close to the waterline, the BENTE28 doesn’t display any of the ‘twitchy’ characteristics of other modern-day high-rise yacht designs.

DEMONSTRATOR OFFEROur BENTE28 demonstrator is now 2 years old and we have just released her for sale at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2026.As with most demonstrators, she has been lightly used and comes with loads of extras:North cruising mainsail with 2 reefs and a stack packNorth battened jib with furler and sail coverSanders code-0 with Selden furlerNorth asymmetric spinnaker.On Deck:Carbon retractable bowspritRod kickerHalyard bagsPermateek cockpit sole and seatsCockpit cushionsCockpit showerCockpit tableCompassGarmin chart plotterGarmin VHF/DSC radioRaymarine ST2000 tiller pilotGarmin wireless windGarmin log/depthBelow deck:Galley with fridge, diesel stove with cabin heater lid, basin with pressurised hot/cold water from 100 L tank, Seadeck galley floor covering.Nav station with chart table and switch panelMarine heads in a spacious compartment, a hot water boiler, and a basin with pressurised water.Cabin lights packageShore powerThrow pillowsPrivacy curtain.We’re making the demonstrator available at a special boat show rate to make room for more stock. So, this boat is unlikely to hang around for long!Click on the video link to see this boat in action during the Yachting Monthly boat test. The test was carried out before the boat was fully ready. Since the test we have added:Extra inspection hatches for engine and fuel filter accessA larger fresh water tankA second reef in the mainsailA code 0 with furlerPrivacy curtain to the forward berthA blower lid which turns the diesel stove into a cabin heater.This is now an even higher-spec yacht.Contact us now to arrange a viewing or a trial sail.