Beneteau Oceanis 35 - The 3-in-1 Marvel

by Beneteau on 22 Feb 2015 Making its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2014, the Beneteau Oceanis 35 is already making its mark in Australia, with a second place in its division on its first outing at the Festival of Sails, Geelong, Victoria in January.

The Oceanis 35 embodies individuality and versatility in one 35-foot package, suiting experienced sailors and first timers. Whether in Daysailer, Weekender or Cruiser mode, the Oceanis 35 delivers the diversity of a '3-in-1' cruiser.

The Beneteau Oceanis 35 has been hailed as a standout for its incredibly well-imagined and executed interior plan by Nauta Design. This is just one of the features that earned this new model top honours as the Cruising World Midsize Cruiser for 2015.

Judges were impressed with the dynamic options, describing the Oceanis 35 as 'hitting the mark across generations, particularly with ‘the millennial generation’ for its clever interior alternatives, wide transom and large cockpit. 'It’s a lot of boat in 35-feet,' they agreed.

The floor plan in the main saloon has the option to be completely open with no forward bulkhead. With a totally customisable internal configuration to suit individual sailors needs. The 35 can be a day sailor ideal for club racing, a weekender ideal for the family/couples for both cruising and overnighting and the familiar full cruiser version for live aboard. The head and shower room are separate and the aft cabin is spacious and airy. The main cabin boasts large windows, offering unimpeded views and heaps of natural light.

Jade Cole from Sundance Marine skippered the Oceanis 35 in the Cruising non-spinnaker division at the Festival of Sails, and shared her impressions on its performance and appeal.

'For the experienced sailor, the boat performed extremely well in both light winds and also when the breeze got above 16 knots, and felt completely at home in the stronger gusts,' she recounted. 'For less experienced sailors, the spacious cockpit provides class-leading room for crew and guests and the saloon is spacious, with windows offering great views and heaps of natural light.'

Jade commented on the construction, deeming it a 'well-balanced boat with twin rudders, beamy hull with hard chine and the mast moved back not forward, meaning it’s light on the helm and very stable in all conditions. It actually powers forward and doesn’t try and take you upwind.'

From the outset, Jade felt the handling was superb, and manoeuvring in and out of the marina was a breeze. 'The control and stability gives you a lot of confidence if handling it as a couple. Best of all, below decks when underway you hardly hear a sound, and the large windows means you can see all around when either standing or sitting in the saloon.'

If you're interested in inspecting the Beneteau Oceanis 35 in Melbourne, contact Sundance Marine to arrange a viewing at Sandringham or the first Beneteau Oceanis 35 into New South Wales arrives in March and will debut at the Club Marine Pittwater Sail Expo 21 and 22 March 2015. Vicsail Sydney representatives will be on hand for information and inspections.