Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Brothers

Nautic Boat Show 2022: Spotlight on remarkable sustainable innovations at Beneteau

by Beneteau 8 Jan 22:54 PST
Oceanis 30.1e sailing yacht © Beneteau

BENETEAU has decided to follow the path of innovation to reduce the environmental impact of sailing. Practical yet ground-breaking innovations that were visible on the First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e sailing yachts world premiered at the Nautic Boat Show in Paris.

These boats are built with recyclable resin, electric or hybrid power, teak alternatives, etc. and they pave the way for a circular economy in the sailing industry, making them a big new step forward in terms of sustainable sailing and responsible buying.

First 44E: "ECO-friendly boat concept by BENETEAU"

  • 1st production boat built from recyclable ELIUM resin
  • Torqeedo series hybrid engine power
  • Iroko deck cladding"

Oceanis 30.1E: "A new all-electric sailing expereience"

  • +All-electric Torqeedo engine

The two boats shown at the Paris boat show include promising solutions that will be rolled out on an industrial scale for production models and offered to a wide public. BENETEAU has taken up an exciting challenge with a profound effect on how its customers envisage responsible sailing.

With these innovations BENETEAU is fully aware that it is taking the first steps on a long but inevitable road. It is a leader's responsibility to pave the way, and the Beneteau aims to remain the gold standard on a market that will change completely.

"We cannot force our customers, but we can win them over. That is why we need pioneering projects to develop new technologies and prepare the future leap forward. The transition is under way. The whole of the industry will need to change." - Gianguido Girotti - Managing Director, Boat Division.

Boating takes its first steps towards a circular economy

The First 44e was made entirely from ELIUM resin, as part of the result of an exclusive partnership with Arkema. This resin is recyclable by solvolysis, pyrolysis or thermolysis, all processes that separate the fibreglass from the resin during the dismantling of the boat. The latter then becomes reusable for new parts for new boats, using the infusion process. The resin therefore enters a virtuous circle that reduces the need for raw materials and also the amount of waste. In so doing, the new material improves the life-cycle of boats.

With the use of ELIUM resin, the boat's performance and the skippers sensations are still the same. Implementation on the production line required three years of development and a complete overhaul of our processes. The First 44e is the first production model made of ELIUM, and it is an industrial tour de force.

What ' s more BENETEAU endeavours to use natural fibres and bio-based resins wherever possible, particularly for the production of non-structural composite parts.

Electric Engine: Towards new ways of sailing

With the First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e, BENETEAU explores two ways of reducing our sailing carbon footprint by offering two different types of electric engines developed in partnership with Torqueedo.

The First 44e has a series hybrid propulsion system, where two pods - which integrate electric drives turning lifting propellers - are supplied by a 20 kW battery bank. The batteries can be recharged either at harbour or at sea with a diesel generator, which provides a system offering good autonomy and comfort. Above all, it creates the foundations for new ways of sailing with 'silent yachting', which allows you to sail on the engine in silence, and 'silent motor sailing', where you set a course under sail even in light air, assisted by the electric engine which helps create apparent wind. Furthermore, this series hybrid solution offers great energy autonomy at anchor, since the house batteries can be recharged by the engine's 20 kilowatt battery bank.

On the Oceanis 30.1e the solution used is all electric, always based on a Torqeedo pod, the 5 kW battery of which can be recharged at harbour or by solar panels. This sailing yacht, to be reserved initially for inland sailing grounds, naturally encourages users to enjoy new sailing experiences, more in harmony with nature and with a new appreciation of time. This is the beginning of a path towards new sailing practices that brings the brand and interested customers together in a joint effort towards greater eco-sufficiency.

Responsible Buying

On the deck of the First 44e, teak, an exotic wood predominantly produced in Myanmar, has been replaced by Iroko from FSC certified forests in Congo. It is used in the form of glulam, i.e. fine layers of wood bonded together. This new alternative product is more virtuous from all points of view, while guaranteeing the same resistance, feeling on touch, and also a pleasant natural shade over time, comparable with teak.

This innovation makes responsible buying possible without compromising on design, comfort and elegance.

These two boats are the start of a new era and the result of our R&D staff's efforts and commitment over a number of years. The next step will involve rolling out these innovations on all the Beneteau sailing yacht and motorboat lines and all the group's boats.

"Reducing the environmental footprint of the nautical industry is a succession of challenges and small steps. Each innovation involves inventing valid technical solutions, creating partnerships and making investments, and, of course, receiving the support of customers. A demand for a new style of sailing is emerging. It is our responsibility to pave the way and not to impose changes in the way we sail, but to make them possible." - Yann Masselot, Managing Director Beneteau

BENETEAU: Designed to be remarkable

BENETEAU has been a boating leader since 1884. Thanks to its expertise and passion for design. BENETEAU produces remarkable eye-catching boats that bring a community of customers together to share unique experiences. Determined and audacious, Beneteau is a source of inspiration for boaters and the entire nautical industry.

Related Articles

Beneteau at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Showcasing a great line-up for this significant marine event in the Southern Hemisphere Beneteau, represented by Flagstaff Marine and Spirit Marine, and Lagoon, represented by TMG Yachts, will showcase a great line-up for this significant marine event in the Southern Hemisphere. Posted on 22 May
China's first Excess 11 welcomed
The setup, tuning and boat preparation took place in Hong Kong with the support of Excess APAC China's first Excess 11, handled by Excess's dealer in mainland China, Vastar Yachts, safely arrived on Hainan island in late April after shipping from Excess's factory in Vendée, France and having a stopover at Hong Kong. Posted on 9 May
Join Boating Rendezvous-Sydney this May
Scheduled to take place at Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour Boating Rendezvous-Sydney, Australia is back this May. It is scheduled to take place at Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour, a private boating festival for marine enthusiasts and keen boaters to celebrate the freedom at sea in the country. Posted on 4 May
Figaro Beneteau 3 achieves amazing results
In the Rolex China Sea Race 2023 We are pleased to share Figaro Beneteau 3, led by the Beneteau Simpson Marine team - Philippe and Cosmas Grelon, took double-handed 1st place and IRC Overall 2nd place at Rolex China Sea Race 2023. Posted on 13 Apr
First 36: The genesis of a new creature
Four years and the merging of two very different teams in its creation The First 36 is no ordinary boat. And its creation was not ordinary either: It took four years and the merging of two very different teams. So here's a rare look behind the scene. Posted on 11 Apr
Beneteau & Lagoon: What to expect in April?
April is certainly a busy month for boat-lovers April is certainly a busy month for boat-lovers with lots of boat shows coming back in action. Let's have a quick preview and see what to expect. Posted on 6 Apr
Beneteau Pittwater Regatta 2023 is on
As part of the Lion Island series hosted by RPAYC Newport We are delighted to present this year's Beneteau Pittwater Regatta on Saturday, May 13th, 2023, as part of the Lion Island series hosted by RPAYC Newport. Posted on 4 Apr
Beneteau March Boat Show reviews
Three boating brands enjoyed a busy spring/autumn season with boat shows This March, our three boating brands enjoyed a busy spring/autumn season with boat shows held at different parts of Asia Pacific by working closely with our respective dealers, hosting 1 Asia Pacific debuts and two Japan premieres Posted on 27 Mar
Swift Trawler owners rendezvous
The fleet included the new Swift Trawler 48 which was also the premiere in New Zealand Organised by our dealer in Auckland, New Zealand-36 Degree Brokers, Swift Trawler Owners Rendezvous and Beneteau Owners Rally held together on January 21st, 2023 were a huge success with a turnout of approximate 75 people. Posted on 24 Feb
Bringing dreams to water 2023
The Miami Boat Show is an opportunity for Groupe Beneteau to report on the latest progress Groupe Beneteau shared its vision and mission with the American market when the Miami Boat Show opened: BRINGING DREAMS TO WATER. Posted on 17 Feb
Rooster 2023 - Aquafleece - FOOTERSelden 2020 - FOOTERHyde Sails 2022 One Design FOOTER