The first model of the new generation of Beneteau cruisers, the NEW Oceanis 51.1, was revealed at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017 and already became a success story at Beneteau. The Oceanis 51.1 is an ingenious sailing yacht, with no less than four different interior layouts, five rigging plans, three different keel types, and a choice of 150 available options – promising an individually unique Oceanis 51.1 to any future buyer. Currently available for purchase in Hong Kong.
The yacht is available in three main configurations: SMART CRUISER (for charter companies, easy to use options), COMFORT CRUISER (owners’ use and cruising in comfort and style) and FAST CRUISER (focus on performance and speed, with various upgrades in sail plan and deck hardware).
The architectural choice, by Olivier Racoupeau, of a new stepped hull, extending over a third of the hull, is a major element in the development of the range. In addition to the interesting aesthetics of this flared shape, the new hull creates additional interior space without changing the shape below the waterline, essential for a good performance under sail. This allows for exciting new layouts on a boat this size. The variety of colours available for the hull is the first of many attractive customisable features.
With the clean lines characteristic of Nauta Design, the Oceanis 51.1 marries style, pleasure of lifestyle and safety. With emphasis on taut cruiser lines, she is a joy to move around and reassuringly safe. The furling mast, self-tailing jib and all the halyards and sheets on the standard model are all brought back to a single winch at each of the helm stations, making her simple and easy to sail. As for harbour maneuvering, Dock & Go technology simplifies everything.
The architectural choices that stand out on the Oceanis 51.1 are reflected in her habitability and an incredible amount of space. Inside, the owner’s cabin has an en-suite shower and toilet, and a 1.6 m wide island bed, worthy of a 55-foot sailing yacht. Particularly ingenious, the aft shower cabins rotate to protect the room from water spray.
Spacious and well-appointed, the U-shaped galley is as pleasant to use under sail as it is at anchor. The large hull portholes bathe the boat in light and elegantly emphasise the interior design by Nauta Design creating a relaxing atmosphere. A choice of brushed oak or mahogany woodwork ambiances increase the opportunities of customisation.
The outdoor fittings are generous with areas for relaxation and several sun-loungers. The large modular cockpit table, top quality covers and bimini, plancha grill built-in to the aft bench, spacious open swim platform are all features that go towards making the Oceanis 51.1 an outstanding cruising yacht.
The Fast Cruiser version is additionally fitted with an extra-long carbon or aluminium mast and up to 35% additional sail area in high-tech materials. The boat has a 2.8 m lead bulb keel in this high performance configuration. This reduces weight and hydrodynamic drag. To complete this version, a composite steering wheel, top-of-the-range deck fittings and boom sprit marry speed and cruising and promise exciting new sensations.
Aiming to provide real cruising pleasure at an affordable price, she now has added performance and a completely new style. She is ready to reshape the market, starting today!