BENETEAU America and Annapolis Yacht Sales (AYS) unveiled the first Oceanis 46.1 sailboat built in the United States at the AYS Spring Sailboat Open House on March 23, 2019.
“We’ve been fortunate to see the Oceanis 46.1 quickly become one of our most popular sailboats ever, and I’m proud to announce that we are now producing it in both Europe and the United States to better serve customer demand and put more people at the helm of this exceptional sailboat more quickly,” said Jean Francois Lair, President of BENETEAU America.
Lair reported that BENETEAU has built approximately 50 Oceanis 46.1s in France since the model’s November 2018 debut. Four technicians with model-specific training will lead continuous production at BENETEAU America’s factory in Marion, South Carolina, to meet steady demand from the U.S. market.
According to international critics, who awarded the Oceanis 46.1 the European Yacht of the Year title in the Family Cruiser category on January 19, 2019, the unique combination of features makes this model ideal for both high-end living and high-performance sailing.
Comfortable living is supported by the sheer size of a cockpit and interior that, thanks to the inclusion of the chined hull of the Oceanis 51.1, are far larger than those of similarly-sized yachts on the market. Inside the boat, this size provides for generous ceiling height and large portholes that both bring natural light into and provide endless views from the modern saloon, galley, heads, and cabins. Outside the cabin, the wide hull and smartly-designed internal split rigging allow for easy movement and relaxation on a deck that includes comforts such as two elegant reclining sun loungers, an eight-person cockpit table and built-in plancha grill, and a massive swim platform that provides easy access to swimming and recreation.
As for what sets the 46.1 apart from the competition in the technical category, Yacht of the Year voters who participated in intensive sea trials credited design elements that provide both exceptional speed and unparalleled ease of use. These features include: a longer mast and larger sail area; Harken Performa racing deck fittings; a deep lead-bulb keel that reduces drag; internal diagonal shrouds and verticals; an in-mast furling system and self-tailing jib; and a twin rudder system with fibre steering, all of which can be controlled from the helm station by just one individual.
As Yachting World’s Toby Hodges summed it up at the award presentation, “I’m quite sure the 46.1 will become the most popular (Oceanis) to date. BENETEAU, Finot Conq and Nauta took all the best bits of the 45 and the new 51.1 and somehow made them better. A clever, voluminous modern family cruiser that sails as good as it looks. Bravo BENETEAU!"
With such words in mind it’s no wonder that both Bill Tilghman, AYS Director of Sales, and Sarah Angell, BENETEAU America Sailboat Sales Manager, jumped at the opportunity to bring what is surely the first of many 46.1s to Annapolis.
“Both global demand and expert reviews have clearly proven that the 46.1 is the very best in its class, and we’re proud to further expand our partnership with BENETEAU America by introducing it to current and future customers who we know will love it,” said Tilghman.
“The 46.1 is made for the Chesapeake,” added Angell. “It has great sailing performance in both light and heavy winds and is completely customizable, from an optional Performance package to plenty of electronics and creature comforts, making it ideal for both offshore racing and coastline cruising.”
To learn more about the Oceanis 46.1, visit www.annapolisyachtsales.com or make plans to see it in person at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, taking place April 26-28 in Annapolis, Md.
To learn more about BENETEAU America, visit www.beneteau.com/us.
