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Displaying items by tag: GT36

It will come as no surprise that Beneteau are leading the way in terms of new models for 2021 — and the new Gran Turismo 36, the latest and hugely exciting addition to the Gran Turismo range, is no exception.

With powerful looks and bold lines, the GT36 is the first in her class to combine the kind of handling you would normally expect with a pure sports boat in combination with comfortable cruising and space for leisure.

Features to make the most of open-air boating include an aerodynamic hardtop with sliding roof, and a semi-recessed sunpad protected by a generous awning on the foredeck.

Beneteau GT36 exterior

The interior is bathed in natural light thanks to large hull windows and deck hatches, making for a bright canvas on which to put your individual stamp.

Beneteau GT36 interior

But what is particularly special about this 37ft model is that you can choose between inboard diesel or outboard propulsion, both of which will offer exceptional performance and ease of handling, like all GT models.

This follows the huge increase in outboard engines as the propulsion of choice in the Irish market, as observed by Beneteau’s Irish dealer BJ Marine.

Like the GT40 — of which BJ Marine have a new stock boat ready immediately — the GT36 will have a huge cockpit, ideal for days afloat with family and friends. And the interior lends itself to trips further afield and overnighting aboard.

“We have crossed the Irish Sea between our Greystones and Pwllheli offices many times in the GT models that we have sold to date, and look forward to doing so in this new model,” says BJ Marine group manager James Kirwan.

“This boat was designed to be used and boating has never been such a suitable and safe pastime.”

The Beneteau website has more details on the Gran Turismo 36, including a virtual tour. Contact BJ Marine at +353 1 287 8334 (or +44 1758-612686 in the UK) to book a test sail.

Published in BJ Marine

Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Yacht Race Information

The biennial Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race is a 320-miles race down to the east coast of Ireland, across the south coast and into Dingle harbour in County Kerry.

The race is organised by the National Yacht Club.

It never fails to offer a full range of weather, wind and tide to the intrepid entrants, ranging from a 32ft cruiser to a 79ft all-out racer.

Three divisions are available to enter: cruiser (boats equipped with furlers), racing (the bulk of the fleet) and also two-handed.

D2D Course change overruled

In 2019, the organisers considered changing the course to allow boats to select routes close to shore by removing the requirement to go outside Islands and Lighthouses en route, but following input from regular participants, the National Yacht Club decided to stick with the tried and tested course route in order to be fair to large and smaller boats and to keep race records intact.

RORC Points Calendar

The 2019 race was the first edition to form part of the Royal Ocean Racing Club “RORC” calendar for the season. This is in addition to the race continuing as part of the ISORA programme. 

D2D Course record time

Mick Cotter’s 78ft Whisper established the 1 day and 48 minutes course record for the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race in 2009 and that time stood until 2019 when Cotter returned to beat his own record but only just, the Dun Laoghaire helmsman crossing the line in Kerry to shave just 20 seconds off his 2009 time.