TYPE: BENETEAU OCEANIS 31 LAUNCH AT PARIS BOAT SHOW DEC 08
NAME: “OCEANIS 31”
BUILT BY: Beneteau
LENGTH: 9.66m
BEAM: 3.39m
DRAFT: 1.8m

ENGINE: Yanmar 3YM20 21hp diesel engine.

KEY FEATURES:
• FAST, WELL-BALANCED HULL
• SAIL PLAN DESIGNED FOR EASY HANDLING, WITH SMALL-OVERLAP GENOA (8%)
• WHEEL STEERING AS STANDARD
• ERGONOMICALLY-DESIGNED COCKPIT & SPACIOUS TRANSOM SKIRT
• EASY-TO-USE LIFERAFT LOCKER OPENING DIRECTLY TO THE SEA & PATENTED COMPANIONWAY SYSTEM.
• VERY LARGE & WELL-EQUIPPED GALLEY, WITH TWO STAINLESS STEEL SINKS.
• TWO EQUIPMENT LEVELS: STANDARD & EXCLUSIVE.
• ONE LAYOUT: 2 CABINS/ 1 HEAD COMPARTMENT

As in previous years, the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle boat show culminated in the traditional announcement by Voile Magazine of its Yacht of the Year.
Over a two-day period, 20 yachts of all types and sizes were put under the microscope by a judging panel of sailing professional and the magazine’s editorial team. Readers were also invited to come and try the boats.
This year saw two Bénéteau boats in the running: the Océanis 43, launched last December and designed by Berret-Racoupeau with an interior by Nauta Design, and the Océanis 37, developed by Bénéteau in collaboration with Finot Conq et Associés and Nauta Design, and unveiled for the first time at the Grand-Pavois show.
The boat’s contemporary design, ergonomic deck plan, performance under sail and many innovations (patented companionway door, clever liferaft locker, innovative galley, etc.), combined with the way it fulfils the stated brief of being the ultimate family cruiser, clearly excited the judging panel, which voted it their Yacht of the Year. The mathematical points system used to rank the boats put the Océanis 37 way ahead of its competitors.
The Voile Magazine test of the Océanis 37 is published in its November issue, and the Yacht of the Year title will be officially awarded on the Editions Larivière stand during the Paris Boat Show.

Second BENETEAU FIRST 50 arrives at Ipswich after the Southampton Boat Show. Will be commissioned in the spring for her owner and will set off for the Med’.

Launch of BENETEAU OCEANIS 37 hailed a success at Southampton.
The latest model in new the Oceanis range has a beautiful light interior with a choice of layouts, on deck a large cockpit will make cruising a joy whilst the sailors will love her balance and performance.

BENETEAU MONTECARLO 32 sports cruiser wows the crowds at Southampton. The second model in this brand new sports cruiser range from BENETEAU has proved popular. She boasts powerful lines, a big cockpit and accommodation for 4. Available with twin diesel or petrol engines.
As well as the 37 and 32, a new MOTECARLO 27 will be launched in the spring 2008 followed by a 47 and a 42.

The new SUN DECK FLYER 500, 550 and 750 are launched across Europe, based on the successful FLYER range, the new SUN DECK models are perfect for messing about on the water, whether it be skiing, fishing or family trips out.

Given the enthusiastic reception received by the First 50 from customers and the international yachting press (voted Yacht of the Year in Norway, Slovenia, the USA and Italy), there’s every reason to suppose that an equally warm welcome awaits the Philippe Briand-designed First 45 when it is unveiled and premiered at the next Paris Boat Show. Its purity of line, now-famous attributes (“eye-lid” blinds, and flush hatches), sleek, aggressive profile, hull balance when heeled and high-precision 2-wheel helm give this 45-footer all the qualities so admired in its big brother.

This new First is designed for lovers of fast, comfortable cruising, with attributes that include a spacious, highly-functional and welcoming interior crafted from contemporary wood, upholstery and material finishes (a combination of light oak, wengé, leather and stainless steel), uncluttered deck plan, multiplicity of stowage lockers and uninterrupted forward vision.

But the First 45 has also been designed as a boat for cruiser/racers, with a lot of attention paid to its hull shape, deck plan and sail plan, including an IRC option:

- The hull shape is innovative for maximum performance within the constraints imposed by rating rules. The broad transom and tapering aft chine deliver more power (for hull stability) and maximum waterline length underway.

- The deck plan is very user friendly, with a mainsheet track. The German mainsheet system offers greater precision and better communication between helmsman and trimmer. The primary winches are positioned forward for greater efficiency when fully-crewed. The open transom provides easier access to the sea, whilst the aft beam improves safety.

- The optional sail plan has also been optimised to meet the rating rules and deliver even greater efficiency. The IRC rules favour reduced sail overlap, so to avoid the need to reduce overall sail area and the resulting loss of performance, the First 45 will be offered in a tall mast version for improved aerodynamic efficiency, whilst remaining inside the rating rules.

Combining comfort and design for cruising with higher performance for racing, there’s little doubt that the FIRST 45 will be even more FIRST than ever !

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS

Saturday and Sunday 16th & 17th June
In aid of the R.N.L.I.

Provisional programme
Saturday 16th June

SAILBOATS

11.00 hrs Meet off Harwich for sailing start.
11.30 hrs Start, following pre-determined course.
Two classes - White Sail & Three Sail
Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd - white & three sail Rally Group
Team Trophy - Best model group results

MOTORBOATS (and sailboats not wanting to sail in rally).

11.00 hrs Meet off Harwich to watch sailboat start.
Followed by “Water Poker”
Prize Winner of “Water Poker” game
ALL Moor overnight at Fox’s Marina.
19.30 hrs Prize-Giving, music, food and bar at
Fox’s Marina Ipswich
Prize BOA “Spirit of the Event” award.

Sunday 17th June

“PURSUIT” SAILBOAT RALLY

10.30 hrs Pursuit rally start off Fox’s Marina.
13.00 hrs (ish) Finish and prize giving on water!! Depart at will.
Prize 1st “Pursuit” sailboat rally

Last year was a great success with over 45 boats joining in and around 250 guests for the Saturday evening. This year we have arranged for outside caterers, which we are sure you will enjoy.