French sailboat builder Beneteau is introducing the eighth generation of the Oceanis Line of performance cruising boats at the Cannes Festival of Yachting this week in the south of France. The new Oceanis designs for a 47 and a 52-footer are both the fruit of long consultation with Beneteau owners, dealers and charter companies.
The results are decidedly modern designs with an emphasis on comfort, spaciousness, a relaxing atmosphere and ease of sailing. As the living and sailing habits of the cruising community evolve, Beneteau is determined to remain current and in step with the times.
The two boats are similar in many ways, yet each has its own personality. The 47 was designed by Finot-Conq and notably has a cockpit arch for the mainsheet and as an anchor for a dodger and Bimini. The 47 will replace the 46.1 that has proven so successful in no small part because it sails effortlessly and quickly.
The 47’s hull has a marked chine and its maximum beam is carried all the way aft to the transom. These elements provide the space for a huge cockpit with twin tables and twin wheels and a large fold-down swim platform. The platform aft is really a back porch with an optional built-in grill. If there are kids onboard, they will live back here.
The hull shape expands the area of the two quarter cabins considerably and with the large rectangular hull ports the cabin are full of natural light. The master cabin forward, which also makes good use of the hull’s increased volume, has its double berth on a walk-around platform with storage underneath.
The new 52 was deigned by Italian impresario Roberto Biscontini who is known for his beamy, low profile hulls with exceptional sailing qualities. It, too, has a cockpit arch that safely keeps the main sheet system well out of the way of those in the cockpit.
Like the 47, the 52 has a chine in the hull and carries its beam all the way aft. The cockpit has two C-shaped dinettes and tables with a walkway between. The twin wheels are positioned well outboard so a helmsperson will have good sight-lines looking forward.
Like the 47, the 52 has a wide fold-down stern platform and in the bigger boat the grill and a drawer fridge are standard.
Down below, the firm Nauta design, has created a warm and comfortable family living space with a large U-shaped galley , a dinette that will seat up to eight and an aft facing chart table or office.
While there are a number of layout options, the standard will have a large master suite forward and twin quarter cabins. As in the 47, the volume of the hull is 30 percent larger than in the Oceanis 51.1 that the 52 is replacing.
Both of the new boats are sleek looking and, with twin rudders and efficient keels, will sail very well. The crowds at the Cannes boat show will certainly beat a path to the Beneteau stand to see what many will consider the belles of the ball.
Read more Oceanis 52 here. https://www.beneteau.com/en-us/oceanis/oceanis-52
Read more about the Oceanis 47 here. https://www.beneteau.com/en-us/news/oceanis-47-built-legacy-enhanced-today
