What the beam is
The beam is the width of the boat. It is measured at its widest point, from one side to the other. If the length overall is how long she is, the beam is how wide. With those two measurements you already get a good idea of the size.
It is something you notice the moment you step aboard. A boat with a good beam has roomy decks and gangways you can move along without feeling cramped. It also leaves space for areas to sit, soak up the sun or seek the shade.
What it means on board
Our sailboats Aemón and Ayla have a beam of 4.40 metres. Over that width we lay out the sun deck and the shaded area, so each person can choose how to spend the day. With small groups of up to nine passengers, that space is genuinely enjoyed.
The beam also adds steadiness. A wider boat rests on more water and feels firmer. The roll is gentler and more predictable. That helps anyone sailing for the first time to feel comfortable and confident.
The sea is not a stage. We do not sell an excursion, we share an experience. A roomy, stable sailboat makes the day peaceful, without crowding or haste, just the way we like to sail.
A detail to remember
On modern cruising sailboats, like the ones we use, the beam is put to good use towards the back. That leaves a wide, comfortable stern, ideal for life on board and for getting down to the water when anchored.
If you remember two figures, keep these: 14.40 metres of length overall and 4.40 of beam. One tells you how long she is and the other how wide. Together they sketch a roomy, steady boat, designed to take in the sea of south-west Tenerife calmly.
