Beneteau First 30 and Beneteau Oceanis 52 Nominated for European Yacht of the Year 2026

Two of Beneteau’s newest sailing yachts, the First 30 and the Oceanis 52, have been nominated for the 2026 European Yacht of the Year Awards - widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade in the sailing world.
The nominations highlight Beneteau’s unique ability to deliver innovation, performance, and comfort across both sport and cruising categories.

As Beneteau’s exclusive New Zealand dealer, we at 36° Brokers are thrilled to see these standout models recognised on the international stage.

A Prestigious Industry Benchmark

Since 2004, the European Yacht of the Year Awards have been judged by a panel of twelve leading sailing magazines from across Europe.
Each nominated yacht undergoes rigorous sea trials and direct comparison under identical conditions - making it one of the most credible tests of design, build, and performance in the global market.

For 2026, Beneteau’s nominations underscore its breadth of expertise - from cutting-edge racing DNA to bluewater comfort and innovation.

 
Beneteau First 30 - Planing Performance for Everyone

Unveiled in January 2025, the Beneteau First 30 introduces a fresh category: the planing cruiser.

Designed by naval architect Samuel Manuard, this 10.33 m yacht blends the acceleration and glide of a performance dinghy with the comfort of a compact cruiser.

• Lightweight hull (3,150 kg displacement) delivers speed and responsiveness.
• Two versions - a cruising model for couples or small crews, and a racing version with enhanced trim controls
• Practical two-cabin layout providing berths for four
• Celebrates the spirit of the original 1977 First 30 in Beneteau’s 140th anniversary year

The result is a nimble, versatile yacht that reconnects sailors with pure performance - ideal for New Zealanders who love the thrill of hands-on sailing.

 
Beneteau Oceanis 52 - Bluewater Cruising Redefined

At the other end of the spectrum sits the Beneteau Oceanis 52, designed by Roberto Biscontini with interiors by Nauta Design.
This 16.28 m passagemaker combines luxury, efficiency, and comfort for sailors who dream of extended cruising across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Highlights include:

• A cockpit 30 % larger than the Oceanis 51.1, with twin C-benches and flexible dining zones
• Optional features like a plancha grill and hydraulic swim platform
• Self-tacking jib and furling mast for easy short-handed sailing
• Spacious interior with C-shaped galley, panoramic windows, and owner’s suite with dedicated work corner
• Configurations from three to five cabins to suit private owners or charter operators

The Oceanis 52 delivers the perfect balance of elegant design and practical sailing performance - built for comfortable voyaging from the Hauraki Gulf to the Pacific Islands.

Two Yachts, One Philosophy

The First 30 and Oceanis 52 may serve different sailors - one for sporty coastal racing and weekend getaways, the other for luxury long-range cruising, but both embody Beneteau’s DNA of innovation, performance, and craftsmanship.

Their nominations for European Yacht of the Year 2026 are a powerful statement of Beneteau’s continued leadership in modern yacht design.