BENETEAU has
decided to follow the path of innovation to reduce the environmental impact of
sailing. Practical yet ground-breaking innovations that were visible on the
First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e sailing yachts world premiered at the Nautic
Boat Show in Paris. These boats are built with recyclable resin, electric or
hybrid power, teak alternatives, etc. and they pave the way for a circular
economy in the sailing industry, making them a big new step forward in terms of
sustainable sailing and responsible buying.
FIRST 44E:
“ECO-FRIENDLY BOAT CONCEPT BY BENETEAU”
· 1st
production boat built from recyclable ELIUM resin
· Torqeedo
series hybrid engine power
· Iroko deck
cladding
· The
culmination of the Beneteau teams' 3-year project
The First
44e was made entirely from ELIUM resin, as part of an exclusive partnership
with Arkema. This resin is recyclable by solvolysis, pyrolysis or thermolysis,
all processes that separate the fibreglass from the resin during the
dismantling of the boat. The latter then becomes reusable for new parts for new
boats, using the infusion process. The resin therefore enters a virtuous circle
that reduces the need for raw materials and also the amount of waste. In so
doing, the new material improves the life-cycle of boats.
OCEANIS 30.1E: A NEW ALL-ELECTRIC SAILING
EXPERIENCE
· Equipped
with a 100% electric motor that offers a brand new sailing experience
· Fully
electric Torqeedo engine
· A new start
in harmony with nature and reducing carbon footprint
On the
Oceanis 30.1e the solution used is all electric, always based on a Torqeedo
pod, the 5 kW battery of which can be recharged at harbour or by solar panels.
This sailing yacht, to be reserved initially for inland sailing grounds,
naturally encourages users to enjoy new sailing experiences, more in harmony
with nature and with a new appreciation of time. This is the beginning of a
path towards new sailing practices that brings the brand and interested
customers together in a joint effort towards greater eco-sufficiency.
For reducing the environmental footprint of
the nautical industry
On the deck
of the First 44e, teak, an exotic wood predominantly produced in Myanmar, has
been replaced by Iroko from FSC certified forests in Congo. It is used in the
form of glulam, i.e. fine layers of wood bonded together. This new alternative
product is more virtuous from all points of view, while guaranteeing the same
resistance, feeling on touch, and also a pleasant natural shade over time,
comparable with teak.
This
innovation makes responsible buying possible without compromising on design,
comfort and elegance.
These two
boats are the start of a new era and the result of our R&D staff’s efforts
and commitment over a number of years. The next step will involve rolling out
these innovations on all the Beneteau sailing yacht and motorboat lines and all
the group’s boats.