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Displaying items by tag: Gran Turismo

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

Tom Dolan, Solo Offshore Sailor

Even when County Meath solo sailor Tom Dolan had been down the numbers in the early stages of the four-stage 2,000 mile 2020 Figaro Race, Dolan and his boat were soon eating their way up through the fleet in any situation which demanded difficult tactical decisions.

His fifth overall at the finish – the highest-placed non-French sailor and winner of the Vivi Cup – had him right among the international elite in one of 2020's few major events.

The 33-year-old who has lived in Concarneau, Brittany since 2009 but grew up on a farm in rural County Meath came into the gruelling four-stage race aiming to get into the top half of the fleet and to underline his potential to Irish sailing administrators considering the selection process for the 2024 Olympic Mixed Double Offshore category which comes in for the Paris games.