It has been a long time since production yachts over 50 feet in length were in such demand that the shipyard needed two sets of moulds. Beneteau has achieved this with the Oceanis 51.1. In order to keep up with the orders, the shipyard in St. Gilles is laminating on "two tracks". To speak of a success in this case would be an understatement. The world's largest boat builder has landed nothing less than a hit.
The French company would now like to repeat this coup. With the 46.1 designed by Finot/Conq and styled by Nauta Design, Beneteau presented the second model in the new Oceanis series this evening. And it could lead to even fuller order books. Even the basic version promises more sailing potential.
Visually, the two yachts are almost indistinguishable. The characteristic bow section with its tulip-like, skimmed frame shape unites the two designs, as do the pronounced deck projection and the dynamic lines of the cabin superstructure. However, there is a difference of almost two metres in hull length between them. Nevertheless, the smaller Oceanis 46.1 offers almost as much variance as its role model.
The charter version can accommodate up to ten crew members below deck. In the standard version, there are three double cabins, with the owners sleeping forward - in a similarly lavishly arranged compartment as on the 51.1. The island berth measures 1.60 metres in width by 2.05 metres in length and provides a lateral view through the large hull windows, which are positioned at exactly the same height. Undoubtedly a wow effect that is hard to find elsewhere.
In contrast, the saloon appears somewhat more compact in the first computer illustrations. However, it also offers a navigation station on the main bulkhead, the seat of which can be converted into a sofa.
The performance data are interesting: In the standard version with furling mainsail and self-tacking jib, the Oceanis 46.1 already has a sail carrying capacity of 4.3 (51.1: 4.0). With a standard mainsail and slightly overlapping genoa, this rises to a good 4.8 - an already sporty value, which the ridge line with higher rig, deeper keel and lower displacement raises by a further 10 per cent to over 5.0 (51.1: 4.7). That's quite an announcement.
Beneteau has not yet announced prices, but they should be finalised at the beginning of July. If they remain within reason, the Oceanis 46.1 should meet with a great response in the charter and owner market and become a worthy successor to the Oceanis 45, which was also extremely successful. The latter won its category in the European Yacht of the Year competition five years ago.
