Corum and Beneteau, it first began in 1987…

by Event Media on 12 Nov 2005 Watch manufacturer Corum has become the main sponsor of the Beneteau Yacht Club which unites more than 20,000 owners of Beneteau vessels worldwide. Jean-Rene Bannwart, the former owner of Montres Corum Sarl and still the owner of a First, is a part of the adventure in his capacity as president of the Beneteau Yacht Club.

The Corum/Beneteau story began with the 45’ ‘Corum 1’ designed by Philippe Briand and was built by Beneteau for the 1987 Admiral’s Cup. Philippe Briand, the designer of the new First 50 to be released in 2006 also designed ‘Corum 2’, a more innovative two-tonner in 1989.

A collaborative affair ensued for the 1991 Admiral’s Cup, when the FFV convinced Corum with Beneteau’s support to bring a crew together under the Corum colours.
Three boats, Corum Diamant (one tonner), Corum Rubis (the two tonner) and Corum Saphir (50’) formed the The Corum Sailing Team. The first professional ocean racing crew was born. It won the first and only French victory in the Admiral’s Cup but acquired quite a following!

The Corum Sailing Team completed two successful seasons including the China Sea Race, Kenwood Cup/Hawaii, Japan Cup, SORC in Florida, 50’ World Championship, and another Admiral’s Cup in 1993, although not on a Beneteau sailboat but using Beneteau logistics ashore and their motorboats.

In 1994, the RORC replaced the One Tonners with a Mumm 36 one-design, using the Farr Yacht Design plan and Beneteau know how to build the Mumm 36 one-design in Europe. The first boat to leave the yard was for the Corum Sailing Team. During the 1994 season, ‘Corum Watches’ won the La Rochelle Week, Kenwood Cup and the Corum Cup Hong Kong.

In the meantime, Bannwart sold his company to Severin Wunderman and 10 years later, Corum will be represented alongside Beneteau again at the most important Boat Shows in Europe and Australasia as well as various ‘Beneteau Cup’ events.

Corum were alongside Beneteau at the 2005 Sydney International Boat Show and will fly their colours at the upcoming Beneteau Cup, to be held on 24th November, 2005 at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

When designing the new First 50, Philippe Briand and Bénéteau have imagined a very nice yacht genuinely in line with the great First spirit: pure lines, refined interior style, and pure velocity. An audacious yacht for aesthetes and performance fans… Philippe commented ‘I designed the First 50 in the same way I design a superyacht – as an exceptional creation, combining the best of current technology and art - to make its owner’s heart swell with pride.’

With the new First 34.7, Bénéteau have chosen to innovate to win, whilst maintaining the comfort of the accommodation. The First pedigree of, performance in comfort, is re-affirmed featuring:
- A large open ergonomic cockpit for smooth handling
- A large steering wheel, unique for a boat of this size, for more precision and sensitivity on the helm
- A retractable bowsprit, asymmetric spinnaker and maximum sail area for improved performance and simplified handling
- A Saildrive engine (2YM20) to minimise drag.

Architectural and technological choices were made to serve performance on all points of sailing. Designed by Farr Yacht Design, in close collaboration with the Bénéteau Design Office she was the subject of research for optimising the position of its centre of gravity, hence guaranteeing top performance.

For the first time, ‘One Shot’ infusion has been used on the hull and structure. Bénéteau confirm their ability to innovate by the technologies used. The infusion technique is used for the hull and structure to save weight (topsides in sandwich construction), quality of lamination (cloth/resin ratio) and weight consistency. The injection technique is also used for the deck to achieve further weight saving (no more inner lining), quality of lamination and weight consistency.

The boat is fitted with a composite lead/cast iron keel for a centre of gravity positioned forward and as low as possible.

For more information, please contact Helen Taylor of Vicsail, 02 9327 2088