BWS just spent two lovely days sailing new boats on Narraganset Bay. Group Beneteau launched their U.S. fall season by bringing five new boats to Newport and then inviting yachting journalists from all over the world to come and try them out. Of note for all cruisers is the brand new Oceanis 46.1 which offers amazing comfort and space in a blue water quality cruising boat; and, even in the light airs we had, the 46.1 sailed at 6.2 knots under main and roller furling Code 0 in 9 knots of true breeze. The 51.1 was there too and continues to amaze us with the amount of living space it offers. (Check out the review on www.bwsailing.com) Beneteau recently merged with the small Slovenian builder Seascape and now offers their 27, 24, 18 and 14 foot sport boats under the Beneteau banner. These spirited racer cruisers and large dinghies get up and plane in breezes over 10 knots, are a real kick in the butt to sail and are easy to handle, too. The real curiosity of the fleet, pictured above, was the new Figaro 35 (third generation) that is equipped with side foils, similar to the IMOCA 60s that race in the Vendee Globe. We had to try it and we’re mightily impressed by the power, stability and speed side foils provide. This is leading edge technology that is now available to anyone. You speed demons out there, it’s time to start monohull foiling. The other news announced at the event is Beneteau’s new partnership with North Sails– a real pairing of powerhouses. www.beneteau.com/us
