The world's oldest series yacht builder is going from strength to strength this season. The Oceanis 41.1 and the Oceanis Yacht 62 will be followed in a few weeks by four more new models: Oceanis 35.1, 38.1, Sense 51 and 57.
Although these are not completely new designs, all models have been extensively revised.
The two smaller Oceanis in particular show how profound the will to change is at Beneteau - and how much consistency and drive the new Marketing Director for the sailboat sector, Gianguido Girotti, has brought to the table since his move from Dufour to St. Gilles.
"We've been asleep for a few years," he told YACHT during a recent visit to the shipyard, referring to the temporary focus on expanding the motorboat business (see YACHT 15-2016 ). "But that's over now".
For the Oceanis models, Girotti and his team of developers unceremoniously threw out the innovative concept of variable interior fittings, which was only successful to a limited extent on the market. The predecessor boats could be ordered as open daysailers, weekenders or classic cruising yachts thanks to the removable main bulkhead and several galley modules - and could also be customised at a later date.
Two years ago, this freedom of choice and the Oceanis 38's good sailing characteristics won it the European Yacht of the Year class. Now, however, these options no longer exist. A surprising turnaround - which is nevertheless logical, because the concept had not sold enough.
The new Oceanis 35.1 and Oceanis 38.1 still offer options, the first pictures of which YACHT online exclusively shows. However, in all cases, Beneteau varies the complete interior design to meet the requirements of cruising yachtsmen: L-shaped or longitudinal galley, one or two aft cabins, a shower room with WC or a separate shower cubicle - there really is no shortage of alternatives.
The loft-like daysailer versions are no longer available. Nevertheless, with a double door to the foredeck, Girotti gained the impression of spaciousness that had set the previous Oceanis 35 and 38 apart from the rest of the market.
The further development of the Sense is accompanied by a streamlining of the model range. Instead of four types, there will only be two in future: the Sense 51, derived from the 50, and the Sense 57, a variant of the 55. Because the advantages of the concept were not fully realised in the smaller boats, Beneteau cancelled the 43 and 46 - but at the same time expanded the comfort range and options list of the two remaining models.
You get a new deck with a flatter superstructure and a completely modified stern section. A bathing platform is now possible for the first time, and the helmsman's seats rest on permanently installed pedestals in which the barbecue, cool box and sink can be accommodated if required - creating an open-air pantry aft. To extend the usefulness of the large cockpit even further, it can be covered with a fixed bimini, the sides of which can be closed with tarpaulin panels. This provides the crew with protection from the sun and rain as required.
The prices have not yet been finalised. However, according to the new strategy, they should remain very competitive, as the Oceanis 41.1 presented in the spring proved. Beneteau will therefore be a force to be reckoned with again in the coming years.
