Oceanis Yacht 60 Asia-Pacific premiere, Taiwan

The Oceanis Yacht 60 was among three new Beneteau sailing models recently showcased across Asia. The flagship Oceanis Yacht 60, First 44 and First 36 all had their world premieres at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival and all are now present in Asia, where they’ve been separately showcased in multiple cities across the region.

Oceanis Yacht 60 Asia-Pacific premiere, Taiwan

Fashion One, the region’s first Oceanis Yacht 60, was initially handed over to her Taiwanese owner in Hong Kong (see Events, Issue 73) before the yacht had its official Asia-Pacific debut in Keelung on Taiwan’s northeast coast, near Taipei.

Oceanis Yacht 60 Asia-Pacific premiere, Taiwan

Simpson Marine, Beneteau’s long-time dealer in multiple Asian territories, organised the handover in Hong Kong. Its Taiwan team then organised a grand premiere in Keelung featuring a spectacular lion dance. It was the latest APAC debut for a Beneteau sailing model in Taiwan, which received Asia’s first Figaro 3 and First Yacht 53 in late 2018 and mid-2020 respectively, while an Oceanis Yacht 54 was delivered in late 2021.

First 44, Yokohama Floating Yacht Show

The Oceanis Yacht 60 features naval architecture by Italian Roberto Biscontini and deck and interior design by compatriot Lorenzo Argento, who also collaborated on the First 53, Oceanis Yacht 54 and the new First 44. The First 44 had its regional debut at this year’s Yokohama Floating Yacht Show, where dealer First Marine presented the model along with an Oceanis 51.1.

First 36, Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, regional dealer Simpson Marine hosted the first of five legs of the First Experience, a concept initiated by Beneteau Asia-Pacific designed to provide boat owners and sailing enthusiasts with experience of the range.

First 36, Hong Kong

The programme in Hong Kong included model viewings and sea trials of a First 36 across two days. Despite record-breaking rainfall, over 30 guests gathered at Hebe Haven Yacht Club to view and explore the high-performance yacht. Visitors enjoyed a relaxing atmosphere with food and drinks provided and participants enthusiastic about the capabilities of the First 36.

First 36, Hong Kong

The First Experience is also expected to be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Yokohama in the coming months. In late March, a separate hull was used for the First 36 Asia-Pacific premiere at this year’s Japan International Boat Show, where the model was showcased alongside a First 53 and an Oceanis 34.1, as well as Swift Trawler 48, Gran Turismo 41 and Antares 9 motorboats. 

www.beneteau.com
www.simpsonmarine.com
www.firstmarine.co.jp