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Beneteau launch the new First 45 and the new Oceanis 31 at Paris Boat Show, and to follow to London in January.

Photos and images to be released shortly

First release of Beneteau Oceanis 37 photographs;

Fresh from Beneteaus development and R & D programme and sent hot foot to the Southampton boat show in September was the exciting new Oceanis 37, the latest progression in the complete re development of Beneteaus market leading Oceanis cruising yacht range.

We can now release the first photographs of the Oceanis 37, both afloat and with interior shots.

Contact the Sunbird sales team for more details and information , Tel: +44 (0)1294 607 074

New models from Beneteau sweep the market

The Autumn and Winter boat shows brought the model launches of the new Oceanis 40, 43 and 46. Presented across the European boat show circuit, these 3 exciting new boats have followed the Oceanis 50 to runaway success. Following the same design theme of combining the naval architecture of Berret Racoupeau with the Italian interior design flair of Nauta Design these 3 new boats create a clear design identity for the Oceanis range. Sunbird have secured the last few deliveries available for the Summer, so contact us for details of these exciting new boats and our Spring New Model Offers

 

FIRST 50:  The creation is complete

This is the first sailing shot of the new Philippe Briand designed Beneteau First 50 the new flag ship of the First range.

With testing now being carried out on the French Vendee coast we will expect to see more picture within the next month in the run up to the world launch of this exceptional new design at Cannes and Southampton Boat Shows.

Contact Sunbird for more info chris.dodgshon@sunbirdyachts.eu

FIRST 50:  Birth of an exceptional yacht

The First 50, the new jewel in the crown of Chantiers Beneteau's First range, will be making her first appearances on the world stage at the Cannes International Boat Show and the Southampton Boat Show.

The efficiency of a yacht's design is shown by its ability to harness the streams of air and water and to leave them in its wake in an unaltered state...  and these are the characteristics of the First 50.  This philosophy of yacht designer Philippe Briand neatly summarises the concept that inspired Beneteau in the design and development of this new pure performance yacht the concept behind the mega-yachts.  This combines sophisticated aesthetics with state of the art technologies in the fulfilment of a single idea the pleasure of sailing to utter perfection.

With the First 50, Beneteau sets out to conquer the realm of the Sport Cruisers, those dream yachts of unique elegance with their pure and sleek lines, their subtle aesthetic and their deck plan design.

The sleek hull shape, modern appendices (torpedo keel bulb) and their high aspect ratios, together with a carbon mast impart a unique sensation of power to this 50-foot Sport Cruiser. First 50 pdf

Oceanis 40 Oceanis 46 The name for elegance

Since the launch of the Oceanis 50 last December, Beneteau have continued to update the Oceanis range with the arrival of the Oceanis 40 and 46 in September 2006.  Handsome and stylish, these two models with hulls and decks designed by the Berret-Racoupeau design office and an interior created by Nauta Design have an immediate air of elegance and refined style.

 

 

The fruits of Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau's labours, the hulls of these two Beneteau yachts skilfully blend high-performance and balanced lines with well-proportioned space to create excellent, comfortable interior accommodation. The flowing, beautiful lines attract attention at first glance. When sailing, the feel of the helm, performance and comfort at sea realise the greatest pleasure for their owners.

The spacious and luminous interiors combined with light coloured woodwork, whiteness and stainless steel are the essence of conviviality and comfort.

These prestige yachts will be presented as soon as the shows open and will be offered in the following versions: 3 cabins, 2 head compartments for the Oceanis 46 and 3 cabins, 2 head compartments or 2 cabins, 1 head compartment for the Oceanis 40. oceanis 40 & 46 pdf

Dates announced for Beneteau Rendezvous at Clyde Marina.

Sunbird UK will be holding their annual Beneteau Rendezvous on the weekend of 19th and 20th August.

Beginning at Clyde Marina, Ardrossan with a pursuit rally to Tarbert, Loch Fyne on 19th August.  Skipper's briefing commencing at 10.00am where sailing instructions will be given along with the traditional shortbread and sherry.

Free berthing has been arranged at Tarbert for all attending yachts on the evening of the 19th August. The evening dinner dance will again be at the Anchor Hotel, who look after us all so well. We are restricted to a maximum number of 120 at the Anchor Hotel and so we recommend you confirm your attendance at the Rendezvous as soon as the invitations are issued.  Last year we had disappointed boat owners as this now infamous event fills to capacity very quickly.  If you are a Beneteau owner and are interested in joining us, please contact Andrea on 01294 607074 or andrea@sunbirduk.com for further details.

Beneteau launch new Oceanis 50 at the Paris and London Boat Shows.

Shown for the first time at Paris and London the new Oceanis 50 sets a new style and design theme for Beneteaus market leading Oceanis cruising range. The Oceanis 50 combines 2 leading design houses, Berret Racoupeau for the hull, deck and naval architecture and Nauta Design for the interior styling and design.

Nauta Design are a benchmark for interior design in the superyacht industry and now bring a level of design flair and style not seen before outside the superyacht sector. The design has created an interior which is contemporary, light and airy with a stylish ambience, for comfortable easy living.

The reaction from the Paris and London boat shows certainly confirms this sea change in design is appreciated by the yachting market and production numbers are already under pressure.

Sunbird have reserved a number of building slots for Summer deliveries of this ground breaking new yacht to ensure our clients aren`t disappointed. Contact any Sunbird office details

 

Kind of Magic

On the 18th and 19th of February last, the First 34.7 "Kind of Magic" showed her potential during the Spring Regatta held at La Trinitur Mer. On the Saturday, the committee set an upwind-downwind course with winds of 15 to 18 knots. After an average start and sailing cautiously under a solent-jib to preserve her new sails, she finished in 4th place. . On Sunday the committee set a coastal course of 12 nautical miles with a medium wind of 10 knots.

After tacking upwind for a long 4 miles, the boat rounded the windward mark in 5th place. She caught up with the leaders and moved 2 places ahead on the 3-mile spinnaker leg, rounding the leeward mark in third place.

 

The final 5 miles were sailed under spinnaker and "Kind of Magic" finished 1st in real time, 4 minutes ahead of the competition. Needless to say she was 'miles ahead' on corrected time! The crew and the sailmaker also on board gained confirmation of the boat's potential in medium conditions. The First 34.7 is looking more promising than ever!