Beneteau, one of the world's leaders in the manufacturing of high quality production yachts introduced the sleek and sporty Flyer Gran Turismo Express Cruisers - 34, 38, 44, and 49 Fly to the North American market at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show October 27 - 31, 2011.

"Inspired by the world of Italian high-performance cars and the notably successful Monte Carlo brand of Beneteau power yachts which launched in Europe during 2006, the Flyer Gran Turismo represents the next generation of sporty and technologically advanced express cruisers. The new range is the result of Beneteau's relentless pursuit of superior performance, seaworthiness, comfort and style in the powerboat industry," said Laurent Fabre, vice president of sales and marketing for Beneteau's North American powerboats division.

Beneteau collaborated with the globally renowned Italian designer, Pierangelo Andreani to create a powerboat series featuring modern, powerful lines and a 'sports classic' feel. Reflecting on its 120 years of experience building the world's most respected and coveted sailing yachts, Beneteau brings its creativity and mastery in intelligent use of space along with its proven ability to engineer technologically advanced powerboats to this new range. The Flyer Gran Turismo 34 and 38 first launched in Europe last year. Given the market's response to these models, Beneteau debuted the 44, 49 and 49 Fly to the European market at the Cannes International Boat Show September 6-11, 2011.

The Flyer Gran Turismo 34, 38 and 44 feature Beneteau's patented and proprietary Air Step® technology. Co-designed by Beneteau engineers Patrick Tableau, Maud Tronquez and Rémi Laval-Jeantet, this new Air Step® hull produces a smoother, more comfortable ride in addition to greater fuel efficiency, maneuverability and control. To view BoatTest.com's independent review of the Air Step® hull in action, click here.

Beneteau is known worldwide for its sleek design, quality construction and innovation in the manufacturing of seaworthy sailing and power yachts. The Beneteau story began more than 120 years ago when Benjamin Bénéteau started building fishing trawlers in Croix-de-Vie, France. Today, the company continues to thrive under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau's granddaughter, Madame Annette Beneteau-Roux. Beneteau has grown to twenty manufacturing facilities in France and in Marion, South Carolina. Another production facility for powerboats is under construction in Brazil.


A symbol of escapism, this latest model from Beneteau concedes nothing of the range's proven performance, but adds a new concept of space: with greater space and more light the Swift Trawler 44 extends a wonderful open invitation to go cruising.

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 will be making it's debut in Baltimore at the 2011 Trawler Fest. View the official website for complete information including location and times of the show: 2011 Trawler Fest


The Beneteau Group recorded €921.5 million in sales over FY 2010-11, ended August 31st, 2011, up 18.3%.

Thanks to this performance, following on from 18.2% growth in 2010, the Group is continuing to further strengthen its positions on its two business lines.

For the boat business, sales came to €694.4 million, 21.1% higher than the previous year. With its sustained rate of product development (23 new models), the Group has continued to refresh and extend its ranges. In the four key areas from its development strategy (large power yachts, Asia region, powerboats in North America and South America), it achieved sales growth of over 70%, up to €67.5 million.

The housing business generated €227.1 million in sales, up 10.4%. On leisure homes, the Group's sales climbed 7.5% to €208.4 million. This development has been driven by the confidence of outdoor accommodation professionals in their market and in the Group's brands. Residential housing (high-environmental performance and wooden-frame homes) recorded €18.7 million in sales, an increase of 57%. During its second year, it has continued to move forward with its development strategy on the housing market.

Trends for the 2012 Season

As usual, following the autumn shows, the Bénéteau Group will be presenting the first information on trends for the 2012 season.

For the boat business, the response to the Group's new models during the first shows is further strengthening its confidence in its ability to continue growing considerably quicker than the markets.

For the housing business, the good performance achieved in the 2011 season and the confidence among professionals in their outlook for the future are encouraging them to place their orders quickly for the coming season.

About the Beneteau Group

As the world's number one yacht builder - both mono and multi-hull - the Beneteau Group has continued to develop its business on the powerboat market, and is now one of the leading players in Europe.

On both sail and powerboats, the BENETEAU, JEANNEAU, LAGOON and PRESTIGE brands are able to offer more than 100 models ranging from 20 to 60 feet. The Group has one of the most prestigious names for the custom construction of luxury yachts: CNB. It is expanding its range in the segment for powerboats over 15 meters with Prestige Yachts and Monte Carlo Yachts.

The Group is also a leading player on the European leisure home market, with its O'HARA and IRM brands, and is developing its business on the market for high environmental performance residential housing. With the design and manufacturing of wooden-frame houses, it aims to make quality homes that are accessible in terms of their pricing and compliant with sustainable development standards.


Beneteau launched the Oceanis series in the 1980's and last year the evolution of the range continued with the Oceanis 58 and 50. This fall Beneteau introduces two new models, the Oceanis 45 and 41, which will both be built at Beneteau's factory in Marion, SC.

The Oceanis 41 and 45 offer more space and comfort while preserving the great sailing characteristics of the range. Designed by naval architects Finot-Conq and Associates the boats have a sleek low profile cabin with long coachroof windows. Essential elements that characterize the Oceanis range such as a large cockpit securely enclosed by an athwartship helmsman's bench, pure and stretched lines and good performance still exist. Major highlights of these new Oceanis include a luminous interior plus an ingenious full width, electrically operated transom enclosure that provides easy access to the sea. This new feature, which is normally only seen on Super Yachts, incorporates the aft bathing platform opening by remote control.

Multiple layout options are available for the salon and the Dock & Go joystick control maneuvering system is also offered as an available option on the 41 and 45.

The Oceanis 45 will make its American debut at the Newport Boat Show in September. Both the Oceanis 41 and 45 will be at the Annapolis Sailboat Show October 6-10, 2011.


While hundreds looked on under gorgeous Indian summer skies at the United States Sailboat Show, Beneteau demonstrated its revolutionary Dock & Go joystick maneuvering system aboard a brand new concept in live aboard sailing yachts, the SENSE 50.

Operating in just a 60' by 60' square, it was proven that with this new innovation a child can easily move a 50 foot sailboat side to side, quickly rotate it 360 degrees or slide it in any direction to make docking stress free. Every two hours as the Dock & Go demonstration concluded, the appreciative crowd erupted into applause at the wonder of this exclusive development from Groupe Beneteau. The Dock & Go is available on Beneteau 46 and 50 foot models equipped with 76 HP engines

The SENSE range, soon to include a 42, has also garnered note as being a truly new concept in yacht design. Unique hull form mated with an amazing combination of on deck and interior livability have already cemented the launch of this series of boats which offer the feeling of living in the open, both in the cockpit and down below. "The public loves the SENSE. And we have already received several orders for it from the target clientele which was to bring new people into sailing. In fact one of the orders received at Annapolis is from a couple who have never owned a boat before!", exclaimed Mike Lecholop, Vice President of Sales. Lecholop revealed that with one day left to go, Beneteau USA is about 25% ahead on the value of contracts written last year at the Annapolis sailboat show.

In addition to multiple sales of the SENSE, Beneteau dealers have already enjoyed improved sales on the full range of yachts, whether built in Marion, SC or imported from France. "This is the best show in years. Not only has the weather brought out all the sailing public, but the buyers are here again. I worry that on some models, such as the new Oceanis 50, we may run out of available spring deliveries, if we don't get the orders in soon. That's actually a nice problem to have again."

Beneteau also won two other accolades in the first days of the Annapolis show. Sail America awarded Beneteau the Best in Show trophy for the big boat display category for its unique "island" booth layout which allowed the Dock & Go and new models to be highlighted. Plus Wayne L. Burdick, President of Beneteau USA, received the SAIL magazine SAIL'S INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD for his decades of involvement in all aspects of sailing, from voluntary service in boating associations to leading the premier American sailboat builder.

Beneteau USA, the American division of the world's largest sailboat manufacturer, builds hundreds of 31 to 50 foot production sailboats in Marion, SC and imports sailing and power yachts up to 58 feet in length from its parent company in France.


BENETEAU is launching the new FIRST 30, designed by the talented Juan Kouyoumdjian, well known for his contributions in the America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race.  The new FIRST 30 by Beneteau combines the best of both worlds, Beneteau comfort and First performance.

The First 30 is a performance boat with a high level of comfort for cruising due to the layout being conceived in collaboration with the interior design firm Nauta Design. The interior features the basic framework with two improvements: the forward cabin has a double door for privacy yet still an open feeling and the salon table is forward of the mast post thanks to the aft positioning of the mast. Also worth noting are bulkhead recesses built into the bottom of the forward cabin lockers and at the front of the salon seating which allow full length providing good settee berths. An aft cabin and generous head compartment with shower complete the accommodations.  

Don't be deceived by the all the comfort, as the new FIRST 30 includes the best innovations developed by Juan K's vast racing experience.  What is revolutionary in a production 30 is the set back position of the mast, reflecting the Volvo 70's and Open 60's. To this there are several benefits: large easy to handle genoas without overlap, flexibility in the interior layout with centralized weight concentration, absence of backstay with the mast controlled by the 25° angle of the upper spreaders and the main sheet at the end of the boom with a track on the transom beam.

Other Performance innovations include: A deep draft T-shaped keel for the lowest possible center of gravity and optimization of the longitudinal trim, 1 single tiller activating the two rudders fixed to the transom for maximum efficiency and minimum drag, the maximum beam moved aft towards the twin rudders for control under any condition and deck gear with 4 winches and all control lines brought back to the cockpit, with optional symmetric or asymmetric spinnaker gear available.

The First 30 will make its North American debut at the United States Sailboat Show taking place October 7th-11th in Annapolis, MD.


The first-ever Cape Yachts Massachusetts to Maine Rally was a huge success. The rally started at South Wharf Yacht Yard in Padanaram on July 4th and finished at Carousel Marina in Boothbay Harbor on July 17. Other ports of call during the rally were Onset and Salem, Massachusetts; and Biddeford Pool, Portland, Quahog Bay and Bath, Maine. Activities at each port varied, but included museum tours, dockside parties, communal meals, and even a tour of Bath Iron Works, where warships are built for the U.S. Navy. At Onset, Kittery and Biddeford Pool, the boats stayed on moorings of the local yacht clubs. At Padanaram, Salem, Portland and Boothbay, the boats received rally discounts and took either moorings or docks. And at Quahog Bay (off Casco Bay) – the only gunkhole of the cruise – private moorings were provided by a friend of Points East Magazine, which organized the cruise. Points East also provided minivan service in Kittery/Portsmouth and in Portland so that the rallyers could more easily get around those ports of call. (Photo taken at Cap'n Simeon's Galley, in Kittery, Maine.)


Rhode Island based True North Yachts, has been selected by PUMA and PUMA Ocean Racing to be the exclusive provider of hospitality boats for the Boston stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race.

With over half of the globe conquered, the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 has just finished its grueling Rio de Janeiro to Boston leg. After taking part in challenging In Port races in and around Boston Harbor they will head towards the next stop, Galway, Ireland.

During the only North American stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 held at Boston's Fan Pier, PUMA is using True North's squadron of 34 and 38 foot powerboats to give their guests an up-close viewing of PUMA Ocean Racing's boat, il mostro.

The connection between PUMA and True North, a Rhode Island-based builder of expedition-style powerboats, is natural: Ken Read, skipper of il mostro is a local Rhode Island resident and owner of a True North 38. During their stay in Boston, Read and the il mostro crew will be competing for highly coveted points in two exciting short course races. The intensity of this close-quarters racing is especially felt when viewed on-water. True North's design makes a perfect observation yacht for PUMA guests, keeping passengers comfortable and close to all the action. True North powerboats will be alongside il mostro and the teams as they compete in the In Port and Pro Am races next weekend.

True North powerboats feature huge open cockpits that flow into their on-deck salon cabin - offering plenty of space for at least a dozen spectators. Highly maneuverable, these boats can safely operate among the fast-moving Volvo ocean racers. Plus, the advantages work just as well when owners, like Read, take family cruises and leave the crowd behind. Whether you're watching whales breech offshore, spectating at some event in your home waters, or just heading for the islands, True North is a great direction to go.

For further information on PUMA Ocean Racing please see pumaoceanracing.com.


Make plans to come by South Wharf Yacht Yard during our Open House this spring to view and try the boat of your dreams! For 23 years running we have hosted this wonderful event and, as many of our valued customers know, there's no better time to decide on your boat! If you've purchased a boat from us before, you know this Yearly Event offers the best in pricing, trade-ins and deals.

Call ahead at 508-994-4444 to reserve your sea trial!


Book early as space is limited! Due to the overwhelming response we received for our engine classes we had to place many people onto a wait list. With the help of Cummins Engines and SWYY we are pleased to offer two additional seminars covering diesel and outboards. These are a FREE program offered to all boaters. Basic Diesel Maintence Seminar will be held on April 4th at 9AM and the Re-Powering with Diesels Seminar will be held on April 4th at 1PM.

The Maintaining Your Outboard Workshop will be held at 9AM on April 18th and participants are encouraged to bring their outboards to class (2hp - 350hp, any make or model) to receive personalized demonstrations on basic service and maintenance on their motor. All three of our Certified Outboard Technicians will be on hand providing instructions lead by our Outboard Shop Supervisor, Master Yamaha Technician, Drew Melody.

Minor tune-ups will be possible; portable units and boats are welcome. All parts must be supplied by the student or pre-arranged through our Parts Dept. This is an excellent opportunity for students to receive a professional evaluation of the condition and service requirements of their particular engine.

Topics Covered:

• Basic trouble shooting
• Fuel systems
• Service & Maintenance
• 2 cyl vs 4 cyl
• Compression testing
• Ignition testing
• Oil changes
• Lower units (fluid changes & water pumps)
• Corrosion protection (anodes)

Participants will be required to provide information on their engine including make, model, year, etc. at time of registration.


Book early as space is limited! We are pleased to offer this exciting seminar series to southern New England boaters. This FREE program is based on the successful Points East Magazine Workshops offered in Maine. Industry leading companies present valuable information that the novice and seasoned boater alike will be sure to benefit from. You may attend as many classes as you wish.

Join fellow boaters every Saturday morning at South Wharf Yacht Yard in South Dartmouth, MA. Enjoy hot coffee along with the company of other boaters while learning from experienced technicians who manufacture the equipment we all rely upon!

CLICK HERE for the Workshop Series Schedule.


Information updates and registration forms for the two rallies being offered this year by Cape Yachts, Beneteau and Points East magazine. CLICK HERE.


Cruising World magazine announced today the winners of its 16th annual Boat of the Year awards................... from an independent panel of experts who inspected and tested 21 nominated boats during the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis earlier this year. Decisions were based on extensive inspections and sea trials of the boats. All of the winners, along with the rest of the 2009 BOTY nominees and several other boats reviewed by the magazine's editors, will be featured in the January issue of Cruising World...................

Following their deliberations, the judges decided this year to add an award for Best Value. Taking home this honor was the Beneteau 34. "The Beneteau 34 was the least expensive and one of the smallest of the cruising boats we looked at, yet under sail was a pure delight and handled well in the rather boisterous conditions we encountered," said Cruising World Senior Editor Mark Pillsbury...............

• » Sail Quest: May 2 - 3
• » Cape Yachts Sea Trial Weekend: May 30 - 31
• » Cape Yachts Beneteau Rally 1: June 28 - July 4
• » Cape Yachts Beneteau Rally 2: July 4 - 18
• » Newport International Boat Show: September 17 - 20
• » Boston In-Water Boat Show: October 1 - 4
• » Annapolis Boat Show: Sail: October 8 - 12
• » Annapolis Boat Show: Power: October 15 - 18

Click Here for the fall edition of the Cape Yachts eNews.


Beneteau Owners! If you've ever wanted to try a longer voyage but didn't want to go it alone, consider a Cape Yachts flotilla! Bring along your family and friends, make new friends, visit port of calls you've always wanted to, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow boaters.

The CY Flotilla program is headed by former Points East Owner/Publisher, Bernie Wideman. Bernie developed the flotilla concept at Points East because they felt there is a population of boaters who are competent and who would like to see sights outside their usual cruising range but would feel a lot more comfortable going with boats that had been there before and who would like to leave the organizing of shoreside details to others. These original flotillas began with downeast trips to Fundy. Now, through the combined efforts of Points East Magazine and Cape Yachts we are bringing New England flotillas to you starting with the summer of 2009.

The flotillas are led by experienced boaters. Flotilla participants are invited to participate in pre-flotilla organizational meetings and educational seminars on various nautical issues that might come up during the trip. Flotilla participants receive discounts at harbors and marinas while on the voyage. We also plan shoreside activities that include tours of historical sites, dinners and presentations by local experts.

We look forward to cruising with you next summer! Complete details can be found in our fall eNews.