MARION, SC, JANUARY 22, 2009: The news was announced at the official European Yacht of the year gala held on January 17th. The Beneteau 31 was elected European Yacht of the Year in the Family Cruiser class, by a jury of journalists from 10 specialized European magazines. This year the various yachts nominated did not compete in size classes as in previous years, but according to their sailing purpose. The following yachts were in the competing Family Cruiser class: Bavaria 43, Sun Odyssey 30, Southerly 32, Delphia 26 and Beneteau 31.
Following the election of the Beneteau 37 as Yacht of the Year 2008, this new award confirms Beneteau’s ability to develop yachts that continue to be innovative, comfortable and high- performing. It is also the second yacht to be designed by the FINOT-CONQ Group and associates of the Italian Nauta Design office to receive such an award.
Beneteau USA, the American division of the world’s largest sailboat manufacturer, builds hundreds of 31-49 foot production sailboats in Marion, SC and imports power and sailing yachts up to 57 feet in length from its parent company in France. The boats are sold through a network of over 40 dealers from the north in Alaska to the southern tip of Chile.
