Beneteau and their new, flexible, Oceanis 38

by Sail-World Cruising on 13 Jul 2013 Beneteau has a new model about to come out, the Oceanis 38, and claims more flexibility than seen before on this size of boat before, and a new way of looking at below decks, claiming the boat more resembles an airy loft than a traditional cabin arrangement.

So the new Oceanis 38 becomes a day sailer, a weekender or a cruiser. The boat is to be launched at the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes (Cannes Boat Show), from 10 to 15, then at all the other main boat shows.

The boat is aimed to be sailed single-handed, as a couple, with the family or with friends, leaving the owner the choice of layout. Under sail, she offers good sea-keeping and performance thanks to a balanced sail plan: central mast, jib with
little overlap, mainsail sheet on arch. Her chined construction on the full length of the hull helps maintain a
moderate angle of heel.

Throughout below decks there is a boldly modern feel: taupe textile linings, light-coloured wood and brown oak flooring, giving a light and harmoniously warm atmosphere, thanks to 4 large hull portholes.

Daysailer:

In its initial layout, the Oceanis 38 is designed, say Beneteau, like a loft, at sea. Inside, the comfortable companionway opens into a single area in which bulkheads have been removed, giving a striking feeling of space. The view to
the bow is completely clear, with large sofas and a deliberately minimalist galley. The fittings are
reduced to essential needs. The rear of the yacht is dedicated to storage and the cockpit is uncluttered. The
day sailer version is for people who sail for a few hours.

Weekender:

For a few days, the Oceanis 38 WEEKENDER offers a choice between two layouts (2 or 3 cabins to be fitted out) which the customer configures according to choice: open or closed cabins, separate shower cubicle, fitted galley, extra table inside/out, helm seats, etc., completely personalised, and bursting at the seams with numerous clever and entertaining ideas. Stylish and clever, the 'Rolling Locker' houses all the accessories needed to make storage easier on board.
It seems like a good idea: Prepare it on shore so you do not forget anything. Then roll it along the pontoon to your boat, and position it in the dedicated space in your cabin – an instant hanging locker!

Cruiser:
In the tradition of the Oceanis line, the CRUISER is more conventional, if you wish to set off for a few weeks. You can have 2 or 3 fitted cabins, a large galley facing the saloon seating 6 people, and a shower room with separate shower. Its original and more traditional layout can also evolve, since the bulkheads of the fore cabin can be removed to give it a loft-like atmosphere. The outside fittings are comprehensive, since among other things, it has the mainsail arch, helm seats, and bathing platform.

Provisional General Specifications:
Naval Architect Finot-Conq Architectes
Interior Design Nauta Design
Length Overall 11.50 m 37'9
Waterline length 10.72 m 35'2
Beam 3.99 m 13'1
Air draught 16.55 m 54'4
Short draught (option) 1.60 m 5'3
Shallow ballast weight 2 060 kg 4,540 lbs
Long draught (Standard) 2.05 m 6'9
Deep ballast weight 1 790 kg 3.945 lbs
Water capacity (max) 330 L 87 US Gal
Puissance moteur 30 HP – Elligible for Dock&Go
CE certification requested A8/B9/C10

For more information, go to the www.beneteau.com!website or email beneteau-presse@beneteau.fr