It was almost predictable that Beneteau would now also want to meet demand in the smaller length segments again. The update is overdue, especially in the entry-level class. The new Oceanis 34.1 is now the long-awaited replacement for the Oceanis 35.1, which has been on the market with revisions since 2014. Just a few days ago, the market leader also announced the further expansion of the sporty shipyard programme with the First 36. Beneteu is thus entering the upcoming trade fair season with two smaller but all the more exciting premieres.
The design of the predecessor model Oceanis 35.1 still came from the Finot/Conq studio. For the new boat, the Oceanis 34.1, Beneteau has now awarded the contract for the design to competitor Marc Lombard. He has designed a boat that is slightly less wide than its predecessor, with the same hull length of just under ten metres. Instead, the hull is wide at the back and skimmed over its entire length, which creates volume and at the same time keeps the waterline slim. Lombard has also designed the ship to be very spacious, especially at the front. This not only provides more living space in the cabins, but also more balanced sailing characteristics downwind.
In addition to the standard L-shaped fixed keels with ballast bomb and a draught of either 2.00 or 1.50 metres, the Oceanis 34.1 is also available in a version with a hydraulically retractable swing keel. This means that the boat can also fall dry with additional wading props. There is also variance in the rig. Instead of the self-tacking jib, a larger genoa with 105 per cent overlap and 3D haulage point adjustment is possible. Because the mast with its strongly swept spreaders does not need a backstay at all, a performance mainsail with a wide top boom (squarehead) is also possible. For gennakers and code zero, a fixed bowsprit is already permanently laminated ex works.
Beneteau has utilised the proven services of the Nauta Design studio to design the interior of the new Oceanis 34.1. Large windows in the superstructure and hull and three additional deck hatches ensure plenty of light and good ventilation in the saloon and cabins. The standard layout includes two double cabins in the stern and a beautifully large cabin in the foredeck, where the berth utilises the full width of the ship and is built far into the bow. Alternatively, the ship can also be fitted with just one, slightly larger double cabin in the starboard stern. In this case, the aft volume on the port side is used as a large forecastle and the toilet room is extended to include a separate shower area. The layouts with the variants are shown in the following picture gallery.
Beneteau will present the new 34.1 for the first time at the Grand Pavois trade fair in La Rochelle at the end of September and subsequently at the important international autumn trade fairs. The German premiere will then take place in January 2022 at boot in Düsseldorf. Unfortunately, the shipyard has not yet announced any prices, not even to its dealers. To give you a rough idea: the predecessor model Oceanis 35.1 was last on offer for a base price of around 129,000 euros gross.
