NB&G 2015: Beneteau

Author:: SAIL Editors
Publish date:: Aug 5, 2015

BENETEAU

Beneteau is widely known for its innovative, seaworthy production sailboats that these days look and perform like custom yachts without the custom level investment. The Beneteau yard continues to lead the industry in creating safe, fast and comfortable boats.

For the 2015 model year, Beneteau launched the imposing Oceanis 60, the versatile and affordable Oceanis 35, and the fun entry level First 22.

sail@beneteau.com· 410.990.0270

Oceanis 35

Beneteau realized they were onto something big with the success of the Oceanis 38 last year. She was the first of her kind to provide the adaptability that can accommodate her owner’s preferences. She could be designed and equipped as a daysailer, weekender or cruiser.

New this year, Beneteau debuted the Oceanis 35 now the smallest yacht in the range to offer the same level of customization. This sailboat is a perfect fit for younger families and couples and is available with a swing keel to accommodate those who sail in more shallow waters.

Oceanis 60

The elegant Oceanis 60 is truly magnificent to behold at the dock. Under sail is where she exudes her undeniable grace and strength with a hull designed to perform effectively at a moderate heel angle. A few of her key features include: a fixed arch which carries the mainsheet clutter out of the cockpit and opens up a massive area for easy sail handling; and a transom enlarged to create an awesome terrace providing a huge amount of storage including a dinghy garage.

Below deck her galley is fitted with tall, deep cabinets, large drawers and the refrigeration capacity required for comfortable living at sea. Her owner’s cabin and guest cabins are incredibly bright and open with a high priority given to storage space. Additionally, each cabin has its own private head and separate shower.

First 22

The impetus for the new First 22 was a need for the American Sailing Association schools to have a modern, affordable, safe, fun and forgiving sailboat the perfect size for teaching ambitious new sailors. Shortly after introducing the ASA version of the First 22 to sailing schools across the country, a groundswell of interest from the consumer market triggered the builder to create a version of the First 22 now available to the masses as an entry level sailboat.

The First 22 features multipurpose self-tailing winches and jammers, twin rudders, a swing keel, an extended, self-bailing cockpit plus positive flotation. She is exceptionally safe, easy to sail and easy to maintain. Best of all, her price is less than a moderately priced new car to encourage all to experience the thrill of sailing.