Beneteau First 50 named a 'Best Boat'-SAIL Mag.

by Helen Taylor on 16 Jan 2007 The Beneteau First 50 has been named a 'Best Boat' for 2007 by the American SAIL Magazine. The results will be featured in SAIL’s January 2007 Issue.

SAIL’s Best Boats program is designed to seek out and acknowledge true innovation and forward thinking; the awards are based on firsthand knowledge of the new boats seen at the fall shows.

SAIL editors Peter Nielsen and Kimball Livingston, editor-at large Charles Doane and Bill Springer combed the docks at the shows and have given Editors’ Choice awards for innovation and overall excellence.

'Best Boats is not a contest in which there are winners and losers, but rather a celebration of true advancements in every aspect of sailboat production, from technology to design and execution. Our goal is to discover and reward the ideas and refinements that propel sailing into the 21st century,' said Bill Springer.

There’s often a certain sameness to boat interiors – unless the designer chooses to take a risk. Two boats were recognized by the Editors Choice awards for Excellence in Accommodations Design, one was the Beneteau First 50.

SAIL magazine said, 'The First 50 has an aggressive, modern look above decks and below. Veerle Battiau has blended light wood, minimalist furniture, shiny grab rails, nickel-plated light fixtures, and a beautiful dark-stained, matte-finished sole into a wonderful expression of Now.

But style doesn’t diminish functionality at sea. The settees, with their squared-off corners, make excellent sea berths. Handholds are where they’re supposed to be, countertops have suitable fiddles, and cabinet provide generous stowage. This is an excellent example of a fresh, new look at accommodations.'

This second Award given in less than two months to the First 50 (The Magazine Vela & Motore in Italy already recognised the boat as 'Boat of the Year') confirms the celebration of the new Beneteau in the worldwide press.

The Beneteau First 50 arrives on Australian Shores in March 2007.

For more information please contact Vicsail on 02 9327 2088