December Update

Jointly hosted by our trusted dealers 36 Degrees Brokers and Family Boats in New Zealand, the Beneteau Open Day took place from 12th – 14th October was a huge success. It showcased some of Beneteau’s finest sail and power boats, including the New Zealand premiere of the First 36.

MODELS ON DISPLAY

Sailboats: First 36 (New Zealand premiere) , Oceanis 30.1, Oceanis 46.1

Powerboats: Antares 7, Antares 8, Antares 11, Swift Trawler 41 Fly, Swift Trawler 48, Gran Turismo 32

Congratulations to Marc Depret－owner & skipper of Figaro Beneteau 3 “INTIY”, together with his crew George on completing the inaugural Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race as the only two-handed entry. This challenging 1250 nm race started in Sydney Harbour on October 7th, 2023 and finished in Auckland Harbour. INTIY boasts the first FB3 in Australia, sold by our dealer in the country, Flagstaff Marine.

The Melbourne Boat Show was back for its 61st year. Our dealer Sundance Marine in Australia presented Beneteau at the show, bringing a fleet of 9 models including sailboats and motorboats to the visitors.

MODELS ON DISPLAY:

Sailboats: Oceanis 34.1, Oceanis 40.1

Powerboats: Antares 7 Fishing, Antares 8 Fishing, Antares 9, Antares 11, Flyer 8, Gran Turismo 36, Gran Turismo 41

We are pleased to announce that 'Lenny,' a First 44 Performance yacht and the division runner-up of Transpac 2023, has successfully completed her journey from Hawaii to Australia and has arrived in Sydney. This remarkable achievement sets the stage for the prestigious Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race later this year.

Currently docked at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) in Sydney, 'Lenny' and its experienced crew, led by Charles, are preparing for the upcoming Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. 

For those interested in firsthand experience and onboard viewing, please reach out to Flagstaff Marine, Beneteau's esteemed dealership in New South Wales, Australia, to arrange an appointment.

Organized by Queensland French Yacht Owners Association, the Beneteau Cup－Queensland took place from October 21st to 22nd at the prestigious Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Once again it presented the regatta in an ultimate French style, showcasing many top-performing Beneteau sailboats and provding exhilarating racing experiences. Our dealer in Queensland Spirit Marine sponsored the regatta and was represented on the race course by the First 27 Espiritu.

The regatta received great attendance with 25 Beneteau models enrolled. Proud owners and crews put on their nautical attires to meet up the regatta’s French theme with classic striped T-shirts and berets, adding to the festive atmosphere. The race was divided into 3 divisions: Cruising Spinnaker, Performance and Rally. The winner went to a First 40, skippered by Danielle Hutcheson who is considering a new First 27.

Apart from the serious competition on water, the regatta is about social celebrations and loads of prizes presentations, as well as Beneteau owners and enthusiasts catching up and renewing connections after the race.

Flagstaff Marine, our dealer in Sydney, Australia also put on an amazing Beneteau Cup on October 27th at Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, sponsored by MitchCap. Despite the unfavourable weather with 18-25 knot winds and overcast skies, the spirits of the Beneteau owners and crews were excited and fearless. 

This year’s regatta had the attendance of 22 Beneteau sailing yachts, from 27 to 51 feet, and from 20 years old to brand new. It included a special guest boat that travelled all the way from Hawaii to Sydney to participate it. This was the First 44 Performance “Lenny”, skippered by Charles-Etienne Devanneaux and his crew of French offshore veterans. This event was also the best occasion for First 44’s premiere in Australia. 

The regatta consisted of two beautiful and fierce races on Sydney harbour in two divisions. Congratulations to “Antipode”, an Oceanis 50 winning the first place of Division 1 and to “Flying circus”, an Oceanis 34 winning the the first place of Division 2.  “Lenny” ranked the 3rd in Division 1.

We are glad to announce that Beneteau Cup－Pittwater will take place on May 11th, 2024. Looking forward to seeing you all at the race.

Another successful edition for the Beneteau Cup－Hong Kong took place on October 28th, 2023 amidst the gorgeous settings of Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC) Middle Island. This regatta was organized by our dealer in Hong Kong Simpson Marine, hosted by ABC and fully supported by Beneteau Asia-Pacific.

19 Beneteau sailing yachts with happy owners and friends signed up for this year’s vibrant regatta. The versatile line-up reflected Beneteau’s models have won pervasive and persuasive approval among Hong Kong sailors, ranging from a Beneteau First 265, WHITE RABBIT all the way up to a Sense 51, TRACY. 

The event was divided in two divisions, A & B, with 70% of the crews being local Hong Kong sailors. This is a significant indication of the rising popularity of sailing among local community. Congratulations to teams TRACY and EASY BREEZY II, a Beneteau First 41s5, for winning in their respective division, with the overall championship going to EASY BREEZY II for the second year in a row.

The China Cup International Regatta (CCIR)—China’s largest and most influential sailing contest, now in its 15th edition took place from November 2nd to 6th this year at Daya Bay, Shenzhen, China. Bearing the witness to the evolution of the China Cup, Beneteau celebrated over a decade partnership with CCIR and reiterated its commitment to supporting it.

During the regatta, Beneteau set up a brand booth at the competition village for our owners, friends and sailors to connect and exchange ideas, as well as to learn firsthand about our latest developments. On November 3rd and 6th, we invited our esteemed guests on board Beneteau’s sailing yachts for sea trials, to experience Beneteau’s speed and performance.

Beneteau presented the popular Gran Turismo sister models - GT 41 and GT 45 - in all three boat shows in Hong Kong with the invaluable support of our dealer in Hong Kong, Simpson Marine. The Gran Turismo sports cruisers are perfect combinations of power, practicality, and elegance, offering instant sensation, innovative design elements, as well as top-level comfort.

In addition to the GT models, the award-winning First 36 made a dazzling appearance at the Hong Kong International Boat Show held at Club Marina Cove. With her remarkable achievements of winning 6 boat awards, the First 36 truly stood out among the crowd.

Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show

Date: November 3rd - 5th, 2023

Display: Gran Turismo 41, Gran Turismo 45

Gold Coast Motor Festival

Date: November 11th - 12th, 2023

Display: Gran Turismo 41, Gran Turismo 45

Hong Kong International Boat Show  

Date: November 30th - December 3rd, 2023

Display: Gran Turismo 41, Gran Turismo 45, First 36

This December, there will be First Experience events taking place in two Australian locations, Melbourne and Sydney after the success in Hong Kong. We will announce the date of the Melbourne location event soon.

At FIRST Experience, we want you to immerse yourself in the world of the FIRST Range, to feel the power of the wind as you glide through the water, to experience the exhilaration that only these boats can provide, and to witness firsthand the exceptional features and performance of our boats. Sign up for the event in Australia and be part of FIRST Experience.

EVENTS INFO

First Experience－Sydney Location

Date: December 15th-16th, 2023

Venue: Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Sydney, Australia

First models on display: First 27, First 36, First 44

Dealer: Flagstaff Marine