According to YACHT, the patented system, which the world market leader has implemented together with engine manufacturer Yanmar and German gearbox specialist ZF, is available to all parts of the Bénéteau Group.
Jeanneau is also planning the market launch for the trade fair season in autumn. Rumour has it that the first model with the rotating saildrive will be the Sun Odyssey 49i.
Only a little information about the revolutionary drive system has been made public so far. The computer-controlled interaction between the bow thruster and saildrive in the Dock & Go system ensures that the boat can be manoeuvred in all directions using a joystick - even parallel to a gap in the pier. No stopping, no manoeuvres with a fore or aft spring.
According to the information provided, several boats that were equipped accordingly were tested by both Bénéteau and Jeanneau for two years before series production was decided. The first practical demonstration is due to take place in September/October.
In the meantime, interested parties can while away the waiting time with a slapstick-style promotional film that extols the blessings of Dock & Go, before depicting the basic conflict of many sailing couples - arguments when mooring between the loudly shouting skipper behind the wheel and his quietly despairing wife on the foredeck.
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
