Beneteau’s Trawler, Gran Turismo and Antares series are being fundamentally revised this year. Jean-François Lair, Head of the Beneteau Group’s motor yacht division, explains the strategic approach as follows: “Especially in quieter market phases, we focus on new models in order to expand our market share. In euphoric phases, such as after the coronavirus pandemic, when all industry players were able to gain market share, this is much more difficult.” In the trawler segment, the Swift Trawler 54 was launched in September 2024 (test drive on our YouTube channel), now a 37′ with a sedan version ideal for inland waters and a flybridge version are set to follow. The most striking design element is the negative windshield, which was already present on the 54′ and gives it a dynamic, modern look. The 37′ is also characterized by an optimized space concept. It is clearly tailored to a clientele that plans long journeys and likes comfortable cruising in semi-planing mode. The large yachts are not reinventing the wheel, but the Grand Trawler 62, which was launched in September 2021, will also receive a comprehensive facelift and will be known as the Grand Trawler 63 in future. Many improvements have already been introduced on the Swift Trawler 54, such as the Sleipner stabilizers, which are comparable to fins and compensate for wave movements both underway and at anchor and ensure greater comfort on board. The noise insulation in the engine room and crew cabins has also been improved. The steering is now electric and no longer hydraulic as on the 62′. The Gran Turismo series, which previously comprised the GT 32, 36, 41 and 45 models, is being completely relaunched. According to Robert Chaffer, Product Manager at Beneteau, the series has been redesigned from scratch by Andreani Design. The GT 35 and GT 40 will be presented to the public at the Cannes Yachting Show, while the GT 50 will make its grand entrance at boot DĂŒsseldorf. The smallest model will be equipped with two outboards between 300 and 350 hp and, according to the manufacturer, will reach over 40 knots. Unlike in the previous model series, the open wheelhouse is covered by a hard, permanently installed T-top, leaving space for generous gangways on both port and starboard. This layout not only makes it easy to move around on board, the cockpit is also much more open and the hull balconies make it even more spacious.
Although it is also very different from its predecessor, the GT 40 fits more into the Gran Turismo concept. Characteristic of this are the aerodynamic helm position and the windshield borrowed from the automotive sector. However, the underwater hull with negative stem and fold-down bulwarks is completely new. This gives the GT40 a much more modern look. It can be powered by either two Mercury Verado 400 hp or two Yanmar 8LV 320 hp engines. Last but not least, the new Antares 12 CoupĂ© completes the Antares 9 and 12 Fly models launched a few months ago. It is not only the Beneteau Group that is pushing into the market this year with many new products, Wellcraft is also planning to present a new 28-foot yacht in DĂŒsseldorf and Jeanneau has also announced many premieres. The shipyard with the seahorse logo will be exhibiting some of its new products at the Cannes Yachting Festival.