Victory for the Beneteau First 40 in the Faerder Race, Norway
The Beneteau First 40 won the Faerder Race NorwayTeam Normar finished first overall on the long course in the Faerder race. The Faerder race, which attracts more than 1000 yachts, starts from the City of Oslo, goes around the Faerder lighthouse in Skagerak and returns into the town of Horten. This 83-nautical mile course is quite challenging due to variable winds, tidal currents and tight navigation. This year, there was a northerly wind in the range of 6-20 knots, meaning a long downwind leg to Faerder and a 4-5 hour up-wind course afterwards. At the Faerder light house, the new First 40 Team Normar had a very strong position, rounding together with the First 45 Teknova. On the up-wind leg the First 40 managed to keep her position against her competitors (boats from 40 to 55 feet) and finished only 12-13 minutes after the First 45.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ First 40s on the podium
Two First 40s took part in the Crouesty Grand Prix organized by the Crouesty Yacht Club in Arzon.
In IRC 1, Cornouaille Nautique, the First 40 skippered by Olivier L’Helgouac’h took third place on the podium winning two legs and second place overall.
Coup de Coeur skippered by Jean-Philippe Cau took fifth place in the overall ranking coming second in two legs and a further third place.
The weather conditions were rather varied during the regatta weekend with winds between 7 and 18 knots. In all weather conditions the First 40s handled very well and were thus able to demonstrate their ability to dominate.
During the racing of the last leg on Monday afternoon over a coastal stretch, the abrupt lull in the wind and the ensuing shortening of the course changed the cards completely, giving way to what could only be described as a lottery.
It is worth noting that in the overall ranking there is a difference of only 5 points between the first 5 places, which demonstrates the intensity of the battle among the contenders.
Following its first appearance in the Spi Ouest France and its increase in power during the Obelix Trophy and the Tour de Belle Ile (a win for First 40 Courrier Zen and Gery Trentesaux), the First 40 has established itself in the early season regattas and the crew will be particularly anxious to show off the boat’s potential in future races.
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Beneteau announces Rendezvous schedule (February 09)
Beneteau is pleased to announce the 2009 owner's Rendezvous Schedule. The tradition of owner Rendezvous' began over a decade ago. They offer Beneteau owners an opportunity to meet other owners and discuss their sailing interests.
Beneteau will host 9 owner Rendezvous events across the US and Canada this year along with the support of their strong dealer, owner and sponsor networks. Each event will last approximately two to three days and features educational seminars, on-the-water activities, theme parties, and lots of owner camaraderie.
View 2009 Rendezvous Schedule
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Beneteau 31 wins European Yacht of the Year award (January 09)
The news was announced at the official European Yacht of the year gala held on January 17th. The Beneteau 31 was elected European Yacht of the Year in the Family Cruiser class, by a jury of journalists from 10 specialized European magazines. This year the various yachts nominated did not compete in size classes as in previous years, but according to their sailing purpose. The following yachts were in the competing Family Cruiser class: Bavaria 43, Sun Odyssey 30, Southerly 32, Delphia 26 and Beneteau 31.
Following the election of the Beneteau 37 as Yacht of the Year 2008, this new award confirms Beneteau's ability to develop yachts that continue to be innovative, comfortable and high-performing. It is also the second yacht to be designed by the FINOT-CONQ Group and associates of the Italian Nauta Design office to receive such an award.
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Beneteau 34 wins European Yacht of the Year award (December 08)
The Beneteau 34 was awarded Boat of the Year by Cruising World Magazine for Best Value. Cruising World magazine announced the best in boatbuilding for 2009 with its 16th annual Boat of the Year Awards. The results will be featured in Cruising World's January 2009 issue.
An independent panel of experts inspected and tested 21 nominated boats during the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis earlier this year. Decisions were based on extensive inspections and sea trials of the boats. Following their deliberations, the judges decided this year to add an award for Best Value. Taking home this honor was the Beneteau 34.
"The Beneteau 34 was the least expensive and one of the smallest of the cruising boats we looked at, yet under sail was a pure delight and handled well in the rather boisterous conditions we encountered," said Pillsbury.
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Beneteau 54: An invitation to travel (September 08)
The Beneteau 54 continues with everything that has made the new generation of Beneteaus successful and brings a magnificent yacht with flowing lines designed by Berret-Racoupeau to those who travel the oceans.
The Super Yacht expertise of Nauta Design is very clear in the interior space and accommodation of the Beneteau 54. The hull ports together with the long coachroof windows bring natural light in and give a view over the sea which will delight aesthetics.
On deck, the sea is accessed by a wide, very comfortable stern skirt.
Thanks to its generous deck gear and a wisely designed running rigging plan, the flagship of the range remains a boat that is extremely easy to handle and, in particular, can be sailed shorthanded. Also of note is the capstan type windlass, the arrangement of which is inspired by the Super Yachts.
The Beneteau 54 is abundant in living spaces (saloon, cockpit) and is available in an Owner's layout version (3 cabins + optional forepeak cabin). In addition, BENETEAU makes a 54 footer more affordable than ever thanks to the powerful pricing position available only through Beneteaus' purchasing clout.
Principal features:• Balanced, comfortable hull for fast and comfortable cruising• Easy access forward: wide, safe side decks, coachroof shape, handrails etc.• Deck gear and running rigging plan designed to allow short-handed sailing.• Twin steering wheel positions, a large table for a very entertainment friendly cockpit.• Spacious sea going galley built-in beneath the companionway capable of accommodating any appliances needed for comfort.• Long cruising range: 256 gallons fresh water and 125 gallons fuel.• Two levels of trim for real luxury: 'Avantage' and 'Elegance'.
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Premier of the Beneteau 31
The newest member of the Beneteau line proves that elegance and style are not restricted to its bigger siblings.
As the entry-level boat, the Beneteau 31 embodies the same philosophy as the other members of the Beneteau line: to create a family cruiser par excellence - beautiful to look at, comfortable to live aboard and seaworthy.
"The second in this latest range of premiering models also combines elegance with ingenuity for comfortable cruising with friends and family or easy single handing," Beneteau USA President Wayne Burdick said. "She combines functionality with great visual appeal and real pizzazz in a size of boat where design panache often comes in a poor second to function."
The 31 cruising yacht follows the striking Groupe Finot lines and the high style of Nauta Design of the recently unveiled Beneteau 37 to a new scale. With its sharp profile and sleek coachroof, the 31 also incorporates innovative features like the patented companionway hatch and extremely practical cockpit lift-opening locker that is unique to her size.
The designers of the 31 focused on ensuring that comfort was not sacrificed for function and style.
The cockpit allows freedom of movement around the wheel and has a spacious transom skirt and its unique lifting locker.
Beneteau's patented companionway system, with its foldable, sliding hatch, leads to an impressive cabin that will become the high bar in design excellence for boat builders.
The new design gives priority to the shared areas of the boat. To create a spacious, ergonomically-designed cockpit, generous salon and the largest galley in its category. A great deal of detail has gone into the design of the interior to create maximum space with abundant natural light.
"The challenge was to create the maximum living space, so on this boat you'll see a galley that is probably the best in its class, with paired stainless steel sinks area arranged lengthwise to provide the greatest work surface." Burdick said. "The very comfortable salon emphasizes space and light, making use of two hull side ports as well as coachroof ports to create a bright, airy feel."
"The Beneteau 31 will be built in Marion, SC," Burdick said. "She will be is offered in a two-cabin layout with a large head/shower compartment and grand salon."
Geoff McCord, Beneteau regional sales manager, said the Beneteau 31 impressed him during its unveiling at the Paris International Boat Show in December.
This was a pleasant surprise; the boat has a roomy feel below and in the cockpit," he said. "The outside styling--carried down from the 37--really looks stunning. Like the new 37, the new 31 will look great in the water and perform under sail."
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